Memoirs of Robert E. Lee: his military and personal history, embracing a large amount of information hitherto unpublished

Front matter

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UBRARYOTCONWESS

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Preface

To overcome the inactivity to which loss of sight has for some years subjected me, I have sought occupation in recording the recollection of familiar events. Having obtained a slate prepared for the use of the blind, I soon learned to write with a moderate degree of legibility. In order to excite a pleasing interest in my work, I undertook something that might prove of future benefit. Having served on General Lee's personal staff during the most important period of his military career, I began an eye-witness narrative of his campaigns in the war between the States. In the execution of my work I received valuable assistance from my wife and daughter, my two sons, and Miss Lucy Shadk'^slford (now Mrs. Charles Walker), all of whom lovingly and faithfully served me as copyists and readers. I am also indebted to Colonel C. S. Venable of General Lee's staff, Major Green Peyton of Rodes's staff, and Major S. V. Southall of my own staff, for indispensable aid in reviewing my manuscript, informing me of facts that had not come to my knov/ledge or reminding me of such as had escaped my recollection. My work is now completed, and I offer it to the public, hoping it may prove of value as a record of events which passed under my own observation, and many of which have been described directly from my notes made at the time of their occurrence. It is not intended to be a history of the war in detail, but a statement of my personal knowledge of General Lee's life, actions, and character, and of the part played by him in the grea*^ events of which he was the ruling spirit.

2 PREFACE.

After receiving my manuscript the publishers desired a change of plan which would embrace some of the interesting social and domestic features of General Lee's life. This part of the work has been edited and conducted through an arrangement with the publishers by General Marcus J. Wright, fonnerly of the Confederate Army of Tennessee, but now, and for some years past, agent of the United States War Department for the collection of Confederate records. My wife has rendered important aid in this part of the work by contributing personal incidents and other valuable material obtained through her friendly relations with the family of General Lee. It is also proper to acknowledge the use of the publications of Rev. J. W. Jones, Colonel Walter H. Taylor, Miss Emily Mason, the Southern Historical Society papers, Swinton, and the Report of the Congressional Committee on the Conduct of the War (Federal). I have had occasion to refer to the Memoirs of General Grant and The Campaigns of General J. E. B. Stuart, by Major H. B. McClellan. I liave been greatly encouraged in the publication of this work by the cordial d Jiicurrence of General G. W. Custis Lee, General W. H. F. Lee, J^Iajor R. E. Lee, Miss Mildred Lee, Governor Fitz Lee, and other members of the family.

I further desire to acknowledge my indebtedness to Colonel R. N. Scott, U. S. A., for opportunity afforded me at the War Records Office of studying official reports, maps, and the confidential letter-books of General Lee, relating to the events described in the present volume, many of which have never hitherto been published, and which will prove of great value and interest both in rightly understanding military operations and in estimating the character and genius of that great

soldier.

A. L. LONG.

PUBLISHERS' NOTE.

General Lee, less fortunate than General Grant, was overtaken by death before he could complete his design of writing and publishing to the world his personal narrative of the important events in which he figured. In offering this work to the public the Publishers consider it a consummation of that intention, and they further believe that in the selection of General Long as the writer these Memoirs become as nearly an autobiography as any it would be possible to obtain from another hand than that of General Lee himself

It was only during the last years of his life that General Lee seriously contemplated writing a history of his campaiguf}. He had been repeatedly urged to do so by friends, was offered large inducements by publishers, and even from foreign countries came urgent requests for his story. To most of these solicitations he returned a negative answer. Under date of October 25, 1865, he says : "I cannot now undertake the work you propose, nor can I enter into an engagement which I may never be able to accomplish. It will be some time before the truth can be known, and I do not think that time has yet arrived." To a request from a German officer for the right of translation he writes on March 13, 1866: "It has been my desire to write a history of the campaigns in Virginia, but I have not yet been able to commence it." It would appear that he began to collect materials for this purpose shortly after this date, and wrote to the various corps and division commanders asking reports of operations for the last campaigns of the war. He writes to Colonel Taylor, his late adjutant-general : *'I am desirous that the braver}^ and devotion of the Army of Northern Virginia shall be correctly transmitted to posterity. Thib'

4 PUBLISHERS' NOTE.

is the only tribute that can now be paid to the worth of its noble officers and soldiers."

That the desire expressed in these letters became a settled intention, and that General Lee had made some progress in the collection of material, is shown in a letter to Mr. C. F. Lee, Jr., which is kindly placed at our service:

"Lexington, Va., 6lh June, 1870,

"My Dear Cassius: I am very much obliged to you for your letter of the ist and the interest you evince in the character of the people of the South and their defence of the rights which they believed were guaranteed by the Constitution. The reputation of individuals is of minor importance to the opinion which posterity may fonii of the motives which governed the South in their late struggle for the maintenance of the principles of the Constitution. I hope, therefore, a true history will be written and justice be done them. A history of the military events of the period would also be desirable. I have had it in view to write one of the campaigns in Virginia, in which I was more particularly engaged. I have already collected some materials for the work, but lack so much that I wish to obtain that I have not commenced the narrative. I am very much obliged to you for the offer of the materials which you have collected. I think it probable that I have all the official reports, and I would not like to resort to any

other source for a statement of facts

" I am, very truly, your cousin,

"R. E. Lee.

" C. F. Lee, Jr., Alexandria, Va."

General Lee's death occurred four months after the date of this letter, and there was found to be but little done in the fulfilment of his expressed purpose.

The narrative of General Long includes many valuable contributions made by the members of General Lee's family, and is, in the main, based upon his own notes made at the time of the occurrences spoken of. The writer, moreover, had the advantage of an intimate personal association with General Lee under conditions which ensured the most perfect mutual con-

PUBLISHERS' NOTE. 5

fidence and trust. The following letter to General Long expresses how high an opinion of the author was entertained by General Lee, and how desirous he was to associate him with himself in the coming campaigns:

"Richmond, 19th Apr., 1862.

"My Dear Major: I have taken the liberty to apply for your appointment as my military secretary, which you may have observed, under a late law of Congress, has the rank and pay of colonel of cavalry. I had endeavored to obtain your promotion in another way which probably would have been more agreeable to you, but, failing in that, I have taken this course. If confirmed by the Senate, I will inform you, and you must let me know whether the situation is agreeable to you. If it is not and you prefer remaining where you are, or if any other situation is more agreeable to you, let me know, and I will do what I can to obtain it for you. At all events, understand not

to consider yourself obliged to accept the one offered

' ' Yours truly,

"R. E. Lee.

" Major A. L. Long."

The delicacy with which this offer of personal service was made marks a distinguishing characteristic of the writer.

The acceptance by General Long began an acquaintance and service which clcsed only with the close of the war. Shortly afterward General Long received from General Lee the follow^ ing testimonial:

"General A. L. Long entered the Confederate service in 1861, and has served continuously till the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia, 9th April, 1865. His conduct during that time has been marked by zeal and gallantry. A graduate of the Military Academy at West Point, in addition to a military education, he has long experience in the military servnce,

" He was with me as chief of artillery in the winter of 1861-62 in the Southern department, and became a member of my staff when appointed to the command of the Army of Northern Virginia. He was promoted brigadier-general in 1863, and made

6 rrnLisj/ERS' note.

chief of artillery of the vSecond Army Corps, Army of Northern Virginia, which position he held till the surrender of the army, Qth April, 1865. R- E. Lee,

In the preparation of these memoirs the author has been inllnenced by the intention of General Lee as indicated in the foregoing letters. He has sought to include only such accounts of the military operations as were legitimate subjects of record and were confirmed by General Lee's reports. Contributions of a personal nature from relatives, friends, and associates have been included in the text, as serving to illustrate the traits of character which made Lee so famous in his generation.

The addition to General Long's work of the official reports of General Lee, as well as of a great number of confidential letters and despatches which form the only official record of the movements and operations of the Army of Northern Virginia for the period which they cover, will give to this work unique interest and exceptional value. Letters and confidential extracts from the private letter-books of General Lee, heretofore unpublished, as well as the returns of organization of the army and tables of reports of its strength, have been placed at the service of General Long through the courtesy of Colonel R. N. Scott, at the head of the Bureau of War Records in Washington.

The assistance given by General Marcus J. Wright in the compilation of records and returns, and especially in the preparation of the chapters relating to the last years of General Lee's life, has been of great importance and service, and materially contributes to the completeness and the value of the work.

Chapter I. Genealogy

The Origin of the Lee Family. — Its Honorable Record. — Richard Lee Emigrates ic America. — His Public Services. — The Family Settles in Westmoreland County, Virginia. — " President Lee." — His Celebrated Sons. — Henry Lee and his Descendants. — The Military and Civil Record of" Light-Horse Harry." — His Children. — • Birth-place of Robert E. Lee. — An Affecting Incident. — Prominence of the Lee Family -Page 17

Chapter II. Early Life

Birth and Boyhood of Robert Edward Lee. — His Devotion to his Mother. — Testimony as to his Youthful Character. — His Diligence in School. — Letter of Mr. Halioweli. — He Enters West Point. — His Cadet Life. — Graduates, and is Appointed Second Lieutenant of Engineers. — Commendatory Letter. — His Man'iage. — Incidents of the Wedding. — The Custis Property. — His Children and Family Affection. — On Duty at Old Point. — Mr. Eveleth's Recollections. — Colonel Macomb's. — Mr. Schneider's. — Ordered to St. Louis on Engineering Duty. — General Meigs's Testimony. — Successful Operations at -St. Louis and at the Rapids of the Mississippi. — - Letter to Lieutenant Johnston. — Engineering in New York Harbor . . . I^age 24

Chapter III. The Mexican War

Causes of the War. — Texas Gains her Freedom. — Captain Lee joins General Wool's Army. — A Daring Scout. — Joins General Scott. — Siege of Vera Cruz. — Services at Cerro Gordo. — A Perilous Situation. — General Hunt's Testimony. — Passage of the Pedregal. — The Victory at Contreras. — At Molino del Rey, Churubusco, and Chapultepec. — Ixe is Wounded. — General Scott's High Opinion of him. — Promotions. — Peace Negotiations. — Letter from Mexico. — His Life in that City. — Anecdote told by Magruder. — Complimentary Language of the Aiiny Reports. — Testimony of General Wilcox. — Anecdotes Told by General Hunt. — Encomium from

General Johnston ■f''£'^ 47

Chapter IV. The Indian Campaign

On Engineering Duty at Baltimore. — Remarks by JefTerson Davis. — Made Superinten. (lent of West Point. — Ilis Services there. — Extract from Private Letter. — Promoted Lieutenant-colonel of Second Cavalry. — Regiment Ordered to Texas. — Entertainment at Fort Wachita. — The Theatre of Operations. — Character of Indian Warfare. — The Officers of the Regiment. — An Incident of Comanche Warfare. — (Campaigning against the Comanches. — Letters from Texas. — Takes Command of ihc Regiment. — The Cortinas Raid. — Extracts from Memorandum-book. — Return to Arlington Pag^ 72

Chapter V. A Divided Country

The Political Situation. — Letter giving Lee's Views on Slavery. — The Kansas Outbreak, — Growth of the Abolition Party. — The John Brown Raid. — Lee Sent to Suppress it. — The Insurgents Captured. — Letters on Secession. — The Cotton States Secede. —Mr. Lincoln Inaugurated. — Confederate Commissioners Confer with the Presi- <lent. — Fort Sumter Bombarded. — Mr. Lincoln's Proclamations. — Virginia and other States Secede. — Lee Returns from Texas. — Offered Command of the Army. —Letters Describing his Interviews with Blair and Scott. — He Declines, and Resigns his Commission. — Letter to his Sister. — His Sacrifice. — Offered Command of the Virginia Forces by the Convention. — He Accepts the Offer. — Ilis Appearance and Character at this Period Page 82

Chapter VI. Opening Of The Civil War

Military Contrast of North and South. — General Lee Organizes an Army. — Letter. — Topography of Seat of War. — Lines of Operation. — Forces in the Field. — Statement of Gorgas. — Operations in the Valley and in West Virginia. — McDowell Advances. — The Confederate Lines. — Battle of Manassas. — Opportune Reinforcement by Johnston's Army. — The Federals Give Way and Retreat in a Panic. ^Excitement at Richmond During the Battle. — Results of the Victory. — Stephens's Theory of the Federal Defeat.— The Author's First Interview with General Lee. —His Appearance Described Page 100

CHAPTER VII. THE WEvST VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN

State of Military AfT.iirs in North->vestern Virginia.— General Garnett Defeated. — De Lagncl's Adventure. — McClellan Ordered to Wasliington. — General Loring Sent to West Virginia.— His Staff. — Receives Jackson's Report at Monterey.— The Fedtr.ils Fortify Cheat Mountain I'ass. — Colonel Gilliam Occupies Vailey Mount;un Pass. — Preparations for an Advance. — Rosetrans in Command of the Federal

Forces. — General Lee Appointed to the Command of the Department. — Reconnoitering from Valley Mountain. — An Incident of the Campaign. — The Rainy Season. — Sickness Attacks the Camp. — A Route to Flank the Federals Discovered. — An Expedition Prepared. — It Fails through Lack of Concert of Action. — Death of Colonel Washington. — Lee's Appeal to the Troops. — His Letter to Governor Letcher. — Movements of Wise and Floyd on the Kanawha. — Lee Takes Command. — His Plan of Action. — Rosecrans Evades him by a Retreat. — West Virginia Abandoned by the Confederates. — Lee Assigned to the South Coast Department. — Letter Describing his Favorite Horse " Traveller." — Death of " Traveller" Page 114

CHAPTER VIII. THE SOUTH COAST de;fe:nces

General Lee in Charleston. — A Great Conflagration. — The Scenes in the Street. — The Hotel in Danger. — Escape of the Guests. — Half the City in Ruins. — Topography of the Coast. — Its Imperfect Defences. — Capture of Port Royal and Roanoke Island. — Dismay of the People. — Lee's Operations. — Letter to his Daughters. — The Forts Mounted with Heavy Guns. — Fort Pulaski Surrenders to the P'ederals. — Lee's Headquarters at Coosawhatchie. — Simple Mode of Life. — Author's First Acquaintance with Charleston. — Lee Ordered to Richmond. — Effective Character of his Work in the South. — Pemberton Succe'bds him. — Contrast between Lee's Activity and the Supineness of the Federal Commanders Page 134

Chapter IX. The Peninsular Campaign

The Defences of the Peninsula. — Norfolk Seized by the Virginians. — General Butler in the Peninsula. — Engagement at Big Bethel. — Butler Repulsed. — Operations of Magruder and Pluger. — Magruder's Report. — McClellan's Answers to the Committee on the Conduct of the War. — Merrimac and Monitor. — McClellan Reorganizes the Army. — Transfers it to the Peninsula. — Magruder Reinforced. — Strength of the Federal and Confederate Armies. — Johnston's Plan of Operations. — It is Disapproved. — Affairs in the Peninsula. — Evacuation of Vorktown. — Battle of Williamsburg. — The Retreat Continued. — Surrender of Norfolk. — The Federal Fleet Repulsed at Drury's Bluff. — Johnston's Position near Richmond. — The Federals Cross the Chickahominy. — Battle of Seven Pines.— Johnston Wounded. — Lee Appointed to the Command of the Army of Northern Virginia .... Page 145

Chapter X. The Seven Days' Fight

Recapitulation. — Lee Takes Command. — Council of Officers. — Lee Decides to Hold Johnston's Line. — Fortifies his Position. — Growing Confidence of the Men. — Position of McClellan's Army. — Extracts from Long's Note-book. — Lee Decides to Attack the Enemy. — Stuart's Daring Raid. — Troops Ordered from the South. — Jackson Ordered from the Valley. — Dispositions for the Assault. — Attack on lO TABLE OF CONTENTS.

Mochanicsville. — Reynolds Retires. — The Army in Position. — Strength of the Federal Position. — It is Held Against Successive Assaults. — Charge of the Whole Line. — The Works Carried. — The Federals in Full Retreat. — Magruder's Demonstration. — The Fight at .Savage's Station. — Fraziefs Farm. — Malvern Hill. — The Federals at Harrison's L;.nding. — Reorganization of both Armies. — Longstreet and Jackson Compared. — Lees Knowledge of the Countiy Page l6l

Chapter XI. Pope Outgeneralled

interference with Federal Operations. — Pope Takes Command. — T>ee Assumes the Offensive. — Pope's Advance. — McClellan Ordered to Washington. — Lee Marches North. — Stuart's Escape. — Poi)e Retreats to the Rappahannock. — Stuart Captures Pope's Papers. — Jackson Crosses the Rappahannock. — Early in Danger. — Jackson's March on the Federal Communications. — Ca])ture of the Stores at Manassas Junction. — Lee Marches to Join Jackson. — Entertainment. — Narrow Escape from Capture. — A Lady in a Dilemma. — Thoroughfare Gap Occupied by the Federals. — Reconnoissances. — An Old Road Over the Mountain. — Hood's Division Attemj-.ts it. — The Gap Abandoned. — Longstreet Marches Through. — Pope's Scheme. — Its Failure. — The Army Reunited. — Second Battle of Manassas. — Severe Defeat of the Federals. — Heavy Losses. — Conflict at Germantown. — Pope Retreats to Washington. — Telegrams in Relation to the Battle Page 182

Chapter XII. The Advance Into Maryland

Defensive Policy of the South. — Purpose of tlic Maryland Invasion. — Lee Marches North. — Joy of the Peojile. — Condition of the Soldiers. — Accident to Lee. — Spirit of the Army. — Maryland Entered. — Advance to Frederick. — Proclamation Issued. — Its Reception. — Necessity of Capturing Harper's Ferry. — Jackson Sent on that Service. — The Heights Occupied. — The Garrison Surrounded. — Its .Surrender. — Longstreet Reaches Hagerstown. — Federal Movements. — Effort to Relieve Harper's Ferry. — Its Failure. — McClellan at Frederick. — Lee's Army Order Found. — Rapid Advance. — Hill Defends Boonsboro' Gap. — Position of Lee's Army Corps. — The Pass Must be Held. — Longstreet Returns. — The Battle. — Federal Success. — Lee's Stand at Sharpsburg. — McClellan Attacks. — The Battle on the Left. — Burnside's Advance on the Right. — Results of the Battle. — Lee Crosses the Potomac. — Federal Pursuit Repulsed. — Comments on the Battle. — Anecdotes. — Hill's Difficulty. — Lee's Anger. — Taylor's Testimony P^ige 203

Chapter XIII. Fredericksburg

l-ce's Address to the Army. — In.-ictivity of McClellan. — Stuart's Raid into Pennsylvania. — Selection of Headquarters. — Lee Refuses to Occupy a House. — A RcjcUy Camp. — Statement- of a British Officer. — Other Visitors.— Stuart and the Demijohn.— Lee's Popularity with the Soldiers. — The Army Recruited. — McClellan

Moves South. — His Removal. — Estimate of his Ability. — Lee's Opinion. — Burnside Succeeds him. — March upon Fredericksburg. — Delay in Crossing. — Lee Occupies the Heights. — Laying the Pontoons. — The Federals Occupy the Town. — • Strength and Positions of the Armies. — Attack on the Right. — Meade Repulsed. — Assault upon Marye's Hill. — Terrible Slaughter. — Federal Repulse at all Points. — Night Retreat Across the Rappahannock. — Results of the Contest. — Field Headquarters. — The Winter Camp. — A Practical Joke on the Staff. — Visitors. — A Discriminative Hen. — Letters -Page 225

Chapter XIV. Chancellorsville

Conscript Act Passed. — Inflation of the Currency. — Deficiency of Army Stores. — Lee's Position. — He Meditates Retiring to a New Base. — Concludes to Hold the Line of the Rappahannock. — Hooker Succeeds Burnside. — Swinton's Comments. — Fed. eral Advance. — Stoneman Crosses the Rappahannock. — Sedgwick Threatens Fredericksburg. — Description of Chancellorsviile. — Lee's Defensive Line. — His Reconnoissance. — Movement on Chancellorsviile. — The Federals Driven Back. — Lee's Plan of Action. — Decides on a Flanking Movement. — Letter Adduced by Fitzhugh Lee. — Last Interview of Lee and Jackson. — The Bivouac. — Jackson's Flank Movement. — He Crushes the Federal Right. — Jackson Wounded. — He is Removed from the Field. — A Striking Incident. — The Battle of the 3d. — Remarks bv Coi~ onel Marshall. — The Federals Withdraw. — Sedgwick Occupies Fredericksburg.—^ He is Defeated, and Forced to Recross the River. — Results of the Battle. — Con. elusion of Lee's Report. — Lee's Order concerning Jackson. — Life and Charactei of Jackson. — The Army Reorganized. — Financial Difficulties of the Govern, ment Page 246

Chapter XV. Gettysburg

A New Plan of Operations Discussed. — Advance to Culpeper, — Hooker Retires to Manassas. — Lee's March Northward. — The Federals at Frederick. — Hooker Superseded by Meade. — Stuart's False Move. — The Army in Pennsylvania. — — General Order. — Lee's Opinion of Meade's Appointment. — Both Armies Move upon Gettysburg. — The Battle of July ist. — Lee Reaches the Field. — Consultation with Longstrcet. — A Reconnoissance. — An Assault Ordered for the Next Morning, — A Bivouac Conversation. — Criticism of the Count of Paris. — Topography. — Stuart's Movements. — Morning of July 2d. — Lee's Anxiety at the Delay. — An Opportunity Lost. — Longstreet's Explanation. — Position of Sickles's Corps. — Hood's Assault. — A Dash for Little Round Top. — The Texans Repulsed. — The Fight at the Peach Orchard. — Federal Repulse. — Ewell's Assault. — The Battle of the 3d. — An Attack Ordered on the Centre.— Pickett's Charge. — The Deadly Fire. — Failure of, the Assault. — Colonel Taylor's Testimony. — Lee's Letter to Pickett. — After the Battle. — Extract from Letter. — Retreat to the Potomac. — Advance of the Federal Army. — Lee Crosses the Potomac. — Subsequent Movements.— Losses in the Battle. — Lee's Resignation. — Venable's Anecdote. — Story of a Federal Soldier Page 267

Chapter XVI. A Campaign Of Strategy

Inactivity. — Promotions.— Reduction of Both Armies.— Lee's Forward Movement.— Meade Retires. — Cavalry Enj^ajjcment at Brandy vStation. — Lee at Culpeper. — An Incident. — Meade's Retrograde March. — He Discovers his Error. — Both Armies North of the Rappahannock. — Stuart's Dilemma. — Lee and the Scout. — Escape of the Cavalry. — Engagement at Bristoe. — Meade Safe from Pursuit. — Lee Retires. — The " Buckhand Races." — Federal Successes. — The Armies in their Old Positions. — Meade's Scheme to Surprise Lee's Army. — Concentration of the Confederates. — Delays in Meade's March. — Intrenching at Mine Run. — The Federals Surprised. — Reconnoitering. — Orders to Attack. — Meade Withdraws. — An Incident. — Lee Pursues. — The Events of the Year. — A Religious Revival. — In Winter Quarters. — Results of the Year's Operations. — Cavalry Raid of Kilpatrick and Dahlgren. — Long Saves the Artillery. — Capture of a Court-martial. — Kilpatrick Repulsed at Richmond. — Death of Dahlgren. — A Barbarous Order. — Federal Disclaimer. — Lee's Letter to the Richmond City Council Pag^ 303

Chapter XVII. Wilderness, Spottsylvania, And Cold Harbor

General Grant in Command of the Army of the Potomac. — Preparations for the Campaign. — New Policy. — The Overland Route Selected. — March by the Right Flank. — Passage of the Rapidan. — In " the Wilderness." — Grant Intercepted by Lee. — The Fight on the 5th. — Character of the Wilderness. — The Federal Error. — The Battle of the 6th. — Longstreet's Opportune Arrival. — Statement of Colonel Venahle. — Hancock Driven Back. — Longstreet Wounded. — Renewed Assault. — The Woods on F'ire. — Close of the Day. — Graphic Descriptions of the Battle. — Cavalry Contest. — Results of the Fight. — March for Spottsylvania Court-house. — The Feilerals Outgeneralled. — Lee's Army in Position. — His Able Strategy. — Description of Spottsylvania Court-house. — Battle of May loth. — The Federals Repulsed with Heavy Loss. — Lee at the Head of the Charging Column. — Battle of the I2th. — The Enemy Capture Johnson's Division. — Terrible Conflict. — Check of the Federal Advance. — Deadly Character of the Conflict. — Lee's Fearlessness in the Performance of Duty. — Losses in the Battle. — A Tree Cut Down by Bullets. — Sheridan's Raid on Richmond. — Death of General Stuart. — Extract from Swinton. — March to the North Anna. — Lee's Brilliant Strategy. — Grant Recrosses the River. — Federal Advantages. — Grant's March to the Pamunkey. — Lee on the Totopotomoy.— Reinforcements.— Both Armies Reach Cold Harbor. — Battle of June 3d.— Terrible Slaughter in Grant's Army.— The Men Refuse to Charge.— Losses. — Lee's Tactics. — Grant's Change of System Page 322

Chapter XVIII. Early's Valley Campaign

Collatcr.al Operations. — Butler on the James. — Beauregard in Command at Petersburg. —Butler Defeated.- Sige! Defeated at Newmarket.- Gallantr)- of the Cadets.— Hunter Succeeds Sigel.— He Defeats and Kills General W. E. Jones.— Sheridan's

TABLE OF CONTENTS. I3

Cavalry Movement. — He is Encountered and Defeated by Hampton. — Hunter's March upon Lynchburg. — General Early Sent to the Valley. — Hunter Retires through the Mountains. — Early's Plan of Advance to Maryland. — Hunter's Depredations. — Early at Sharpsburg. — He Defeats Wallace on the Monocacy. — Marches upon Washington.- — Federal Alarm. — Early Returns to the Valley. — Succeedinor Operations. — Battle of Kernstown. — Federal Defeat. — Early Returns to Maryland. — Sheridan Sent to the Valley. — Early Retires before him. — Battle of Winchester. — Early Defeated. — Fight at Fisher's Hill. — Early again Driven Back. — He Surprises and Defeats the Federals at Cedar Creek. — Sheridan Rallies his Aimy and Gains a Victory. — The Spring Campaign. — Sheridan Drives Early from the Valley and Forms a Junction with Grant. — Barbarism of the Valley Campaign . Page 352

Chapter XIX. The Siege Of Petersburg

Reasons for Defending Richmond. — Beginning of the Siege. — Smith's Assault upon Petersburg. — The First Line Carried. — Attack on the Second Line. — Federal Successes. — The Confederates Retire to a New Line. — Assault of the i8th. — Federal Repulse. — Both Sides Litrench. — Defeat of Birney. — Wilson's Cavalry Raid. — He is Defeated and Driven Back. — Mining the Confederate Works. — Preparing for the Explosion. — Movements of Hancock and Sheridan. — The Charging Columns Ready. — Firing the Mine. — Effect of the Explosion. — Delay in the Assault. — The Charge Checked by the Confederate Artillery. — Infantiy Hurried up. — Frightful Slaughter of the Federals. — The Assault a Failure. — Observations upon the Mining Enterprise. — Results. — Colonel Carter's Reminiscences. — General Lee and the Sparrow. — A Telling Rebuke. — General Hampton's Story. — A Letter to Lee's Daughter P^ige 369

Chapter XX. The Siege Continued

Grant's Purpose. — Extension of the Lines. — Difficulties of Lee's Position. — Collateral Operations. — Attack on Fort Fisher. — Its Failure. — Subsequent Successful Assault. — Progress of the Siege. — Loss of the Weldon Railroad. — Federal Repulse at Reams Station. — Butler Takes Fort Harrison. — Later Engagements. — General Lee's Appearance. — His Relations to his Soldiers. — Letter to his Daughter. — • Extracts from Colonel Taylor's Note-book. — Anecdote. — Lee's Opinion of War Editors. — Lee Appointed Commander-in-chief. — Peace Conference. — Its Failure. — President Davis's Address. — Lee's Plan of Action. — Overruled by the Authorities. — The Attack on Fort Steadman. — Its Partial Success and Final Failure- Grant's Advance. — Battle at White Oak Road. — Cavalry Fight. — The Federals Capture Five Forks. — Their Advance on Petersburg. — Checked by Longstreet. — Death of A. P. Hill Page 390

Chapter XXI. From Petersburg To Appomattox

The Last Day at Petersburg. — The Evacuation. — Richmond on Fire. — The Army in Retreat. — The Federals in Richmond. — Grant in Pursuit. — At Amelia Court-house. — The Food train Missing.— Perilous State of the Army. — Lee's Demean