Military History Of Ulysses S. Grant From April 1861 To April 1865 - free ebook by Adam Badeau

Read as playlist

Military History Of Ulysses S. Grant From April 1861 To April 1865

Adam Badeau

61 chapters

54 hour read

Read as playlist

Selected Chapters

61 chapters

Introduction

Introduction

The original Thirteen states that composed the American Union had grown in the course of Eighty years to Thirty-four; the territory, which had at First been limited to a narrow strip along the Atlantic coast, had spread to the Pacific ocean, and embraced a region as wide as the mightiest empires of the Old World; from the chain of great lakes on the north, to the Gulf of Mexico on the south, the republic stretched out a Thousand miles across. This land abounded in untold agricultural and mineral

7 minute read

Read Chapter

I.

I.

Hiram Ulysses Grant was born on the 27th of April, 1822, at Point Pleasant, Clermont county, Ohio. His father was of Scotch descent, and a dealer in leather. Ulysses was the eldest of Six children. He entered the Military Academy at West Point at the age of Seventeen, the congressman who procured his appointment giving his name by mistake as Ulysses S. Grant. Simpson was the maiden name of his mother, and was also borne by One of his younger brothers: this doubtless occasioned the error. Young G

22 minute read

Read Chapter

II.

II.

Shortly after the Battle of Belmont, the rebels established a strong and well-selected line, reaching from the Mississippi to the Big Barren river, in Middle Kentucky. On their extreme left was Columbus, where they soon collected One hundred and forty guns, See Polk's report of evacuation of Columbus. and a force sufficient to cover Memphis, and hold the great Western river; on the right was Bowling Green, at the junction of the Louisville and Nashville, and the Memphis and Ohio railroads, and t

52 minute read

Read Chapter

III.

III.

On the 15th of February, Grant was assigned to the new military District of West Tennessee, with Limits not defined, By virtue of directions from headquarters, Department of the Missouri, dated February 15, 1862, the undersigned has been assigned to the command of the new military District of West Tennessee. Limits not defined. and Brigadier-General William T. Sherman to the command of the District of Cairo. Sherman had been at West Point with Grant, but graduated Three years earlier, and they h

2 hour read

Read Chapter

IV.

IV.

The results of the Battle of Shiloh were not all military. Incorrect accounts were circulated throughout the North; those who had seen only what occurred at the rear, misrepresented the actions at the front; others, who were in a single part of the field, attempted to give accurate descriptions of the whole, which they had no opportunities of knowing. General Buell and some of his officers, arriving late and seeing only the fugitives at the Landing, thought and said that the entire Army of the T

36 minute read

Read Chapter

V.

V.

The transcendent importance of the Mississippi river had been manifest from the beginning of the war, to both belligerents. Fertilizing an area of Thirteen hundred Thousand square miles, or Six times as large as the empire of France, receiving the waters of Fifty-seven large, navigable streams, washing the shores of Ten different states, to One of which it gives its name, forming at once the boundary and the connecting link between territory both free and slave, the natural outlet through which

49 minute read

Read Chapter

VI.

VI.

All the way from Cairo to New Orleans the Mississippi meanders through a vast alluvial region, the whole of which is annually overflowed, except where the system of artificial embankments, called levees, The word Levee is in universal use at the Southwest. Breaks in the embankments are called Crevasses. has, of late years, afforded a partial barrier. This great basin is nearly Fifty miles in width, and extends on the east to the upland plains of Tennessee and Mississippi, while on the west it is

2 hour read

Read Chapter

VII.

VII.

The gunboats being now all below Grand Gulf, it was possible that the rebels might send armed steamers down the Big Black river, and up the Mississippi as far as Perkins's plantation, where Grant had established a depot of supplies. In order to prevent any damage to this depot by the enemy, Grant, on the night of April 29th, ordered McPherson, who had arrived at Hard Times, to improvise a gunboat by putting a section of Light artillery aboard One of the transports, and to send it up to guard the

3 hour read

Read Chapter

VIII.

VIII.

The ground on which the city of Vicksburg stands is supposed by some to have been originally a plateau, Four or Five miles long and about Two miles wide, and Two or Three hundred feet above the Mississippi river. The official report of engineer operations at the Siege of Vicksburg, by Captains Prime and Comstock, U. S. Engineers, and the manuscript memoir, already referred to, of Lieutenant (now Brevet Major-General) Wilson, have furnished most of the details of engineer operations for this and

51 minute read

Read Chapter

IX.

IX.

The assaults on Vicksburg having failed, Grant at once set about his preparations for a siege. The Three corps retained the same relative positions they already occupied, Sherman having the right, McPherson the centre, and McClernand the left of the line; but Lauman's division, arriving on the 24th of May, was put on the left of McClernand, where it guarded the Hall's ferry and Warrenton roads; while McArthur's entire command had, by this time, joined the Seventeenth corps. Grant now ordered Pre

2 hour read

Read Chapter

X.

X.

Immediately after the Second capture of Jackson, Grant recommended both Sherman and McPherson for the rank of brigadier-general in the regular army. During the entire war, the regular and volunteer armies of the United States remained distinct organizations, many officers holding commissions in both services. Promotion in the regular army was more prized by professional soldiers, because it was permanent, while the volunteer organization, it was known, would cease with the war. The First reason

33 minute read

Read Chapter

XI.

XI.

The Cumberland mountains constitute the natural boundary between what are called the cotton states— the semi-tropical region of the American Union— and the vast grain-growing plains of Kentucky and Tennessee. Several important ranges cluster just where the Three great states of Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama approach nearest to each other; the mountains crowding close, as if to watch the scene where the destinies of mountains and states were both to be decided. From some of the highest points i

2 hour read

Read Chapter

XII.

XII.

Grant had fully reconnoitred the country opposite Chattanooga, and north of the Tennessee, as far east as the mouth of the South Chickamauga; he had thus discovered that good roads existed from Brown's ferry up the river, and back of the First range of hills opposite Chattanooga, out of view of the rebel positions. Troops, crossing the bridge at Brown's ferry, could be seen, and their numbers estimated, by the enemy; but, as soon as they passed in rear of the hills, Bragg must be at a loss to kn

2 hour read

Read Chapter

XIII.

XIII.

But the task that had been set for Grant was even yet not fully performed. Bragg had indeed been driven back, and Chattanooga made secure, but Burnside was still threatened by a redoubtable force, and the capture of Knoxville was imminent. On the 28th of November, Grant returned from the front, to Chattanooga, and found that Granger's corps had not yet started for the relief of Burnside. A whole day had thus been lost, when every hour was invaluable, and Grant at once hurried off to Knoxville th

48 minute read

Read Chapter

XIV.

XIV.

Early in 1864, the civil war in America had reached One of its most important crises. The political and the military situation of affairs were equally grave. The rebellion had assumed proportions that transcend comparison. The Southern people seemed all swept into the current, and whatever dissent had originally existed among them, was long since, to outside apprehension, swallowed up in the maelstrom of events. Ten states resisted with all their force, civil and military, and apparently with th

17 minute read

Read Chapter

Appendix To Chapter I.

Appendix To Chapter I.

You are hereby directed to hold your whole command ready to march at an hour's notice, until further orders; and you will take particular care to be amply supplied with transportation and ammunition. You are also directed to make demonstrations with your troops along both sides of the river towards Charleston, Norfolk, and Blandville, and to keep your columns constantly moving back and forward against these places, without, however, attacking the enemy. Very respectfully, etc., Jeff Thompson is

5 minute read

Read Chapter

Appendix To Chapter II.

Appendix To Chapter II.

General: It is of the greatest importance that the rebel troops in Western Kentucky be prevented from moving to the support of the force in front of General Buell. To accomplish this, an expedition should be sent up the Cumberland river (to act in concert with General Buell's command), of sufficient strength to defeat any force that may be brought against it. The gunboats should be supported by at least One, and perhaps Two, divisions of your best infantry, taken from Paducah and other points fr

19 minute read

Read Chapter

Appendix To Chapter III. Extracts From Reports Of Generals Buell And Nelson, And Colo-Nels Ammen, Grose, Anderson, And Jones, Of The Battle Of Shiloh

Appendix To Chapter III. Extracts From Reports Of Generals Buell And Nelson, And Colo-Nels Ammen, Grose, Anderson, And Jones, Of The Battle Of Shiloh

Transports will be sent to you as soon as possible to move your column up the Tennessee river. The main object of this expedition will be to destroy the railroad bridge over Bear creek, near Eastport, Miss., and also the connections at Corinth, Jackson, and Humboldt. It is thought best that these objects be attempted in the order named. Strong detachments of cavalry and Light artillery, supported by infantry, may by rapid movements reach these points from the river without very serious oppositio

21 minute read

Read Chapter

Appendix To Chapter V. Stanton, Secretary Of War, From The War Department At Washington City

Appendix To Chapter V. Stanton, Secretary Of War, From The War Department At Washington City

Ordered, that Major-General McClernand be, and he is directed to proceed to the states of Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa, to organize the troops remaining in those states and to be raised by volunteering or draft, and forward them with all dispatch to Memphis, Cairo, or such other points as may hereafter be designated by the General-in-chief, to the end that, when a sufficient force, not required by the operations of General Grant's command, shall be raised, an expedition may be organized under Gen

12 minute read

Read Chapter

Appendix To Chapter VI.

Appendix To Chapter VI.

[I am indebted to General Sherman for a copy of the following interesting letter, the original not having been preserved by General Grant. I give it entire, with the exception of the concluding paragraph, which adds nothing to the elucidation of General Sherman's views, and contains simply a confidential remark, entirely distinct from the remainder of the letter.] Sir,— I would most respectfully suggest, for reasons which I will not name, that General Grant call on his corps commanders for their

13 minute read

Read Chapter

Appendix To Chapter VII.

Appendix To Chapter VII.

[At the risk of some repetition, I have determined to furnish complete copies of all the dispatches that passed between General Grant and General Halleck, or any member of the Government, during the entire Vicksburg campaign, from the day that Grant First visited the fleet at the mouth of the Arkansas, to the date of the Second capture of Jackson. The only omitted portions of this correspondence are the dispatches referring to mere routine business, and a few extracts having no reference whateve

2 hour read

Read Chapter

Appendix To Chapter IX.

Appendix To Chapter IX.

Comrades: As your commander, I am proud to congratulate you upon your constancy, valor, and successes History affords no more brilliant example of soldierly qualities. Your victories have followed in such rapid succession that their echoes have not yet reached the country. They will challenge its grateful and enthusiastic applause. Yourselves striking out a new path, your comrades of the Army of the Tennessee followed, and a way was thus opened for them to redeem previous disappointments. Your m

14 minute read

Read Chapter

Glossary Of Siege Terms Approach

Glossary Of Siege Terms Approach

A ditch dug by the besiegers in their advances, the earth of the ditch being thrown up towards the enemy, as a cover. A small terrace behind a parapet, on which the soldier stands to deliver his fire. A projecting part of the main fort, consisting of a face and Two flanks. A small trench leading direct to a magazine, or any particular point; generally, the boyaux run zigzag, and between the parallels. A small mortar used in sieges; so small that it can be carried by hand. A gallery under ground,

3 minute read

Read Chapter

Appendix To Chapter XI.

Appendix To Chapter XI.

General: You will move with your command (McLaw's and Hood's divisions, and Alexander's and Lyden's Artillery battalions), as indicated in our conference yesterday. Major-General Wheeler will make the necessary arrangements for the cavalry, and probably accompany it— at least for a time. He is thoroughly acquainted with Middle Tennessee, and many of the officers with him will know the route there, as well as all parts of East Tennessee. Every preparation is ordered to advance you as fast as poss

1 minute read

Read Chapter

Appendix To Chapter XII.

Appendix To Chapter XII.

Sir: On Monday, the 23d, the enemy advanced in heavy force, and drove in our picket line in front of Missionary ridge, but made no further effort. On Tuesday Morning early, they threw over the river a heavy force opposite the north end of the ridge, and just below the mouth of the Chickamauga, at the same time displaying a heavy force in our immediate front. After visiting the right and making dispositions there for the new development in that direction, I returned towards the left, to find a he

8 minute read

Read Chapter

XXV.

XXV.

Atlanta had fallen, the Weldon road was carried, and Early's exit from the Valley had been barred, but the end was not yet. A long and tedious prospect still stretched out before the national commander. Hood's army was not destroyed, the rebels were in force in Sheridan's front, and Lee had not abandoned Richmond. Grant looked the situation full in the face, and lost no time in adapting his plans to the actual emergencies. On the 8th of September, Sherman had entered Atlanta in person, and on th

53 minute read

Read Chapter

XXVI.

XXVI.

In the midst of Sheridan's brilliant successes in the Valley, the General-in-chief was obliged to turn his attention to the new situation in Georgia; for as soon as Atlanta was won, it became necessary to determine what use should be made of Sherman's victorious army. Grant's original plan, while he still commanded in person at the West, had been to acquire Atlanta, and then, retaining possession of that important Place, to fight his way to the sea, thus dividing the Confederacy again, as had al

2 hour read

Read Chapter

XXVII.

XXVII.

While these events were passing in Georgia and on the James, Sheridan had advanced as far as Staunton and Waynesboroa, south of which points no rebel force at this time existed in the Valley. Until the 1st of October, he was occupied in carrying out Grant's commands for the destruction of crops and mills, and on that day he reported: The rebels have given up the Valley, excepting Waynesboroa, which has been occupied by them since our cavalry was there.The generalin-chief was now extremely anxiou

2 hour read

Read Chapter

XXVIII.

XXVIII.

At City Point Grant lived a life of great simplicity. After his arrival there in June, his Headquarters' camp was pitched on a bluff, overlooking the junction of the Appomattox and the James; but when it became certain that the winter must be passed at this spot, tents were exchanged for log huts, in which fires could be built. Grant's cabin was divided by a partition of boards, so that it might be said to possess Two rooms, but in no other respect did it differ from that of the humblest subordi

2 hour read

Read Chapter

XXIX.

XXIX.

Thomas's plans and operations were now all dependent on the course that Hood might take when the designs of Sherman could no longer be concealed; and the forces at Florence were anxiously watched to ascertain whether the national army was to advance into Alabama, or remain for awhile on the defensive in Tennessee. Grant's First order to Thomas after Sherman moved was typical of his character and of what was to follow. On the 13th of November, Thomas telegraphed: Wilson reports to-night that the

2 hour read

Read Chapter

XXX.

XXX.

On the 12th of November, Sherman's army stood detached, and cut off from all communication with the rear. It was composed of Four corps: the Fifteenth and Seventeenth constituted the Right wing under Howard, and the Fourteenth and Twentieth the Left wing under Slocum. The aggregate strength was Sixty thousand infantry, besides Five thousand five hundred cavalry, commanded by Kilpatrick. The artillery had been reduced to Sixty guns. Each soldier carried Forty rounds of ammunition on his person, a

2 hour read

Read Chapter

XXXI.

XXXI.

At last the signs of the approaching end were visible. The mighty edifice which had withstood so many shocks was tottering. When Sherman had reached the sea, and Thomas had annihilated Hood; when the supplies from foreign sympathizers and traders were for ever stopped, and no large organized rebel force remained outside of Virginia, it was impossible to be blind to the inevitable catastrophe. The dismay that had been struck to the heart of the South all along the route through Georgia was renewe

3 hour read

Read Chapter

XXXII.

XXXII.

On the 25th of March, 1865, Lee had still Seventy thousand effective men in the lines at Richmond and Petersburg, while the armies of the Potomac and the James and Sheridan's cavalry, constituting Grant's immediate command, numbered One hundred and Eleven thousand soldiers. The misstatements of the rebels in regard to the numbers engaged in the final campaign of the war are more flagrant than can readily be believed. Colonel Taylor, Adjutant-general of the Army of Northern Virginia, in a work en

2 hour read

Read Chapter

XXXIII.

XXXIII.

On the night of the battle of Five Forks Grant was still at Dabney's saw-mill, expecting intelligence from Sheridan. Before him stretched in the darkness the forces of Ord and Meade, in front of the works which had withstood them so long. As far as the national lines extended, they still found themselves facing an enemy, and even when Grant had detached a portion of his command, Lee also divided his army. But this last act of the rebel chief had precipitated, and in reality assisted, the develop

2 hour read

Read Chapter

XXXIV.

XXXIV.

On the morning of the 3rd of April, the scattered portions of Lee's command were all in flight by different roads in the Valley of the Appomattox. The garrison of Richmond and the troops from Bermuda Hundred neck were crowding down from the north, and those that had held the inner lines of Petersburg were retreating westward, while the forces cut off by the battle of Five Forks and the subsequent assaults hastened, North or South of the river, as they could, to meet their chief at Amelia court-h

2 hour read

Read Chapter

XXXV.

XXXV.

The surrender at Appomattox court-house ended the war. The interview with Lee occurred on the 9th of April, and on the 13th Grant arrived at Washington, and at once set about reducing the military expenses of the government. He spent the day with the President and the Secretary of War, and at night the following announcement was made to the country: The Department, after mature consideration and consultation with the Lieutenant-General upon the results of the recent campaign, has come to the fol

42 minute read

Read Chapter

Appendix To Chapter XXV.

Appendix To Chapter XXV.

General: I have the honor to forward as complete a field return as is possible at the present time. The most strenuous exertions are being made by me to obtain a full return, but the difficulty in obtaining such from the Commanding officer, Department of West Virginia, because of his command covering so great an extent of country, has so far prevented. The enclosed return does not include the cavalry under Averill, about 2,500, or the troops of the Department of Washington, Susquehanna, or Middl

2 minute read

Read Chapter

Appendix To Chapter XXVII.

Appendix To Chapter XXVII.

General: I had determined to write you a full account of recent events, but I am too much occupied to do so. In the fight at Winchester I drove back the enemy's infantry and would have defeated that, but his cavalry broke mine on the left flank, the latter making no stand, and I had to take a division to stop the progress of the former and save my trains, and during the fighting in the rear the enemy again advanced and my troops fell back, thinking they were flanked. The enemy's immense superior

25 minute read

Read Chapter

Appendix To Chapter XXVIII. Rebel Efforts In Loyal States

Appendix To Chapter XXVIII. Rebel Efforts In Loyal States

General: Some time since General Sherman asked my opinion in regard to his operations after the capture of Atlanta. While free to give advice to the best of my ability, I felt it my duty to refer him to you for instructions, not being advised of your views on that subject. I presume, from his dispatches, that you have corresponded upon the subject, and perhaps his plan of future operations has already been decided upon. At One time he seemed most decidedly of opinion that he ought to operate by

17 minute read

Read Chapter

Appendix To Chapter XXX.

Appendix To Chapter XXX.

You state that the Confederacy has a population of Twelve millions; that it has proved itself for Eighteen months capable of successful defence against every attempt to subdue or destroy it; that in the judgment of the intelligence of all Europe the separation is final; and that under no possible circumstances can the late Federal Union be restored. On the other hand, the Secretary of State of the United States has affirmed, in an official dispatch, that a large portion of the once disaffected p

8 minute read

Read Chapter

Appendix To Chapter XXXII.

Appendix To Chapter XXXII.

General: On the 29th instant the armies operating against Richmond will be moved by our left, for the double purpose of turning the enemy out of his present position around Petersburg, and to ensure the success of the cavalry under General Sheridan, which will start at the same time, in its efforts to reach and destroy the Southside and Danville railroads. Two corps of the Army of the Potomac will be moved First, in Two columns, taking the Two roads crossing Hatcher's run nearest where the prese

28 minute read

Read Chapter

Appendix To Chapter XXXIV.

Appendix To Chapter XXXIV.

General: In reply to your communication of the 10th instant, I have to furnish you with the following information from the Records of Prisoners of War filed in this office: The number of rebel prisoners Captured in the battles of the Army of the Potomac, Army of the James, and cavalry command of General Sheridan, between the 29th day of March, 1865, and the 9th day of April, 1865, inclusive, amount to 46,495. The number of rebel prisoners paroled at Appomattox court-house, Virginia, April 9, 186

2 minute read

Read Chapter

Appendix To Chapter XXXV. Certain Private Letters Of General Sherman

Appendix To Chapter XXXV. Certain Private Letters Of General Sherman

The results of the recent campaign in Virginia have changed the relative military condition of the belligerents. I am, therefore, induced to address you in this form the enquiry whether, to stop the further effusion of blood and devastation of property, you are willing to make a temporary suspension of active operations, and to communicate to Lieutenant-General Grant, commanding the armies of the United States, the request that he will take like action in regard to other armies, the object being

46 minute read

Read Chapter

XXV.

XXV.

Atlanta had fallen, the Weldon road was carried, and Early's exit from the Valley had been barred, but the end was not yet. A long and tedious prospect still stretched out before the national commander. Hood's army was not destroyed, the rebels were in force in Sheridan's front, and Lee had not abandoned Richmond. Grant looked the situation full in the face, and lost no time in adapting his plans to the actual emergencies. On the 8th of September, Sherman had entered Atlanta in person, and on th

53 minute read

Read Chapter

XXVI.

XXVI.

In the midst of Sheridan's brilliant successes in the Valley, the General-in-chief was obliged to turn his attention to the new situation in Georgia; for as soon as Atlanta was won, it became necessary to determine what use should be made of Sherman's victorious army. Grant's original plan, while he still commanded in person at the West, had been to acquire Atlanta, and then, retaining possession of that important Place, to fight his way to the sea, thus dividing the Confederacy again, as had al

2 hour read

Read Chapter

XXVII.

XXVII.

While these events were passing in Georgia and on the James, Sheridan had advanced as far as Staunton and Waynesboroa, south of which points no rebel force at this time existed in the Valley. Until the 1st of October, he was occupied in carrying out Grant's commands for the destruction of crops and mills, and on that day he reported: The rebels have given up the Valley, excepting Waynesboroa, which has been occupied by them since our cavalry was there.The generalin-chief was now extremely anxiou

2 hour read

Read Chapter

XXVIII.

XXVIII.

At City Point Grant lived a life of great simplicity. After his arrival there in June, his Headquarters' camp was pitched on a bluff, overlooking the junction of the Appomattox and the James; but when it became certain that the winter must be passed at this spot, tents were exchanged for log huts, in which fires could be built. Grant's cabin was divided by a partition of boards, so that it might be said to possess Two rooms, but in no other respect did it differ from that of the humblest subordi

2 hour read

Read Chapter

XXIX.

XXIX.

Thomas's plans and operations were now all dependent on the course that Hood might take when the designs of Sherman could no longer be concealed; and the forces at Florence were anxiously watched to ascertain whether the national army was to advance into Alabama, or remain for awhile on the defensive in Tennessee. Grant's First order to Thomas after Sherman moved was typical of his character and of what was to follow. On the 13th of November, Thomas telegraphed: Wilson reports to-night that the

2 hour read

Read Chapter

XXX.

XXX.

On the 12th of November, Sherman's army stood detached, and cut off from all communication with the rear. It was composed of Four corps: the Fifteenth and Seventeenth constituted the Right wing under Howard, and the Fourteenth and Twentieth the Left wing under Slocum. The aggregate strength was Sixty thousand infantry, besides Five thousand five hundred cavalry, commanded by Kilpatrick. The artillery had been reduced to Sixty guns. Each soldier carried Forty rounds of ammunition on his person, a

2 hour read

Read Chapter

XXXI.

XXXI.

At last the signs of the approaching end were visible. The mighty edifice which had withstood so many shocks was tottering. When Sherman had reached the sea, and Thomas had annihilated Hood; when the supplies from foreign sympathizers and traders were for ever stopped, and no large organized rebel force remained outside of Virginia, it was impossible to be blind to the inevitable catastrophe. The dismay that had been struck to the heart of the South all along the route through Georgia was renewe

3 hour read

Read Chapter

XXXII.

XXXII.

On the 25th of March, 1865, Lee had still Seventy thousand effective men in the lines at Richmond and Petersburg, while the armies of the Potomac and the James and Sheridan's cavalry, constituting Grant's immediate command, numbered One hundred and Eleven thousand soldiers. The misstatements of the rebels in regard to the numbers engaged in the final campaign of the war are more flagrant than can readily be believed. Colonel Taylor, Adjutant-general of the Army of Northern Virginia, in a work en

2 hour read

Read Chapter

XXXIII.

XXXIII.

On the night of the battle of Five Forks Grant was still at Dabney's saw-mill, expecting intelligence from Sheridan. Before him stretched in the darkness the forces of Ord and Meade, in front of the works which had withstood them so long. As far as the national lines extended, they still found themselves facing an enemy, and even when Grant had detached a portion of his command, Lee also divided his army. But this last act of the rebel chief had precipitated, and in reality assisted, the develop

2 hour read

Read Chapter

XXXIV.

XXXIV.

On the morning of the 3rd of April, the scattered portions of Lee's command were all in flight by different roads in the Valley of the Appomattox. The garrison of Richmond and the troops from Bermuda Hundred neck were crowding down from the north, and those that had held the inner lines of Petersburg were retreating westward, while the forces cut off by the battle of Five Forks and the subsequent assaults hastened, North or South of the river, as they could, to meet their chief at Amelia court-h

2 hour read

Read Chapter

XXXV.

XXXV.

The surrender at Appomattox court-house ended the war. The interview with Lee occurred on the 9th of April, and on the 13th Grant arrived at Washington, and at once set about reducing the military expenses of the government. He spent the day with the President and the Secretary of War, and at night the following announcement was made to the country: The Department, after mature consideration and consultation with the Lieutenant-General upon the results of the recent campaign, has come to the fol

42 minute read

Read Chapter

Appendix To Chapter XXV.

Appendix To Chapter XXV.

General: I have the honor to forward as complete a field return as is possible at the present time. The most strenuous exertions are being made by me to obtain a full return, but the difficulty in obtaining such from the Commanding officer, Department of West Virginia, because of his command covering so great an extent of country, has so far prevented. The enclosed return does not include the cavalry under Averill, about 2,500, or the troops of the Department of Washington, Susquehanna, or Middl

2 minute read

Read Chapter

Appendix To Chapter XXVII.

Appendix To Chapter XXVII.

General: I had determined to write you a full account of recent events, but I am too much occupied to do so. In the fight at Winchester I drove back the enemy's infantry and would have defeated that, but his cavalry broke mine on the left flank, the latter making no stand, and I had to take a division to stop the progress of the former and save my trains, and during the fighting in the rear the enemy again advanced and my troops fell back, thinking they were flanked. The enemy's immense superior

25 minute read

Read Chapter

Appendix To Chapter XXVIII. Rebel Efforts In Loyal States

Appendix To Chapter XXVIII. Rebel Efforts In Loyal States

General: Some time since General Sherman asked my opinion in regard to his operations after the capture of Atlanta. While free to give advice to the best of my ability, I felt it my duty to refer him to you for instructions, not being advised of your views on that subject. I presume, from his dispatches, that you have corresponded upon the subject, and perhaps his plan of future operations has already been decided upon. At One time he seemed most decidedly of opinion that he ought to operate by

17 minute read

Read Chapter

Appendix To Chapter XXX.

Appendix To Chapter XXX.

You state that the Confederacy has a population of Twelve millions; that it has proved itself for Eighteen months capable of successful defence against every attempt to subdue or destroy it; that in the judgment of the intelligence of all Europe the separation is final; and that under no possible circumstances can the late Federal Union be restored. On the other hand, the Secretary of State of the United States has affirmed, in an official dispatch, that a large portion of the once disaffected p

8 minute read

Read Chapter

Appendix To Chapter XXXII.

Appendix To Chapter XXXII.

General: On the 29th instant the armies operating against Richmond will be moved by our left, for the double purpose of turning the enemy out of his present position around Petersburg, and to ensure the success of the cavalry under General Sheridan, which will start at the same time, in its efforts to reach and destroy the Southside and Danville railroads. Two corps of the Army of the Potomac will be moved First, in Two columns, taking the Two roads crossing Hatcher's run nearest where the prese

28 minute read

Read Chapter

Appendix To Chapter XXXIV.

Appendix To Chapter XXXIV.

General: In reply to your communication of the 10th instant, I have to furnish you with the following information from the Records of Prisoners of War filed in this office: The number of rebel prisoners Captured in the battles of the Army of the Potomac, Army of the James, and cavalry command of General Sheridan, between the 29th day of March, 1865, and the 9th day of April, 1865, inclusive, amount to 46,495. The number of rebel prisoners paroled at Appomattox court-house, Virginia, April 9, 186

2 minute read

Read Chapter

Appendix To Chapter XXXV. Certain Private Letters Of General Sherman

Appendix To Chapter XXXV. Certain Private Letters Of General Sherman

The results of the recent campaign in Virginia have changed the relative military condition of the belligerents. I am, therefore, induced to address you in this form the enquiry whether, to stop the further effusion of blood and devastation of property, you are willing to make a temporary suspension of active operations, and to communicate to Lieutenant-General Grant, commanding the armies of the United States, the request that he will take like action in regard to other armies, the object being

46 minute read

Read Chapter