U. S. Civil War Photographs - Lee's Retreat Page 8

U. S. CIVIL WAR
PHOTOGRAPHS

LEE'S RETREAT
APRIL 1-9, 1865

(PAGE 8 OF 8)

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Lee's Retreat - 1865

LEE'S REGUARD

April 8, 1865

General Longstreet built breastworks here to protect the rear of Lee's Army which was at Appomattox Court House.

APPOMATTOX STATION

April 8, 1865

Estimated Casualties: Unknown

Custer’s division captured a supply train and twenty-five guns, driving off and scattering the Confederate defenders. This unique action pitted artillery without infantry support against cavalry. Custer captured and burned three trains loaded with provisions for Lee’s army.

APPOMATTOX COURT HOUSE

April 9, 1865

Estimated Casualties: 700 total (27,805 Confederate soldiers paroled)

Early on April 9, the remnants of John Broun Gordon’s corps and Fitzhugh Lee’s cavalry formed line of battle at Appomattox Court House. Gen. Robert E. Lee determined to make one last attempt to escape the closing Union pincers and reach his supplies at Lynchburg. At dawn the Confederates advanced, initially gaining ground against Sheridan’s cavalry. The arrival of Union infantry, however, stopped the advance in its tracks. Lee’s army was now surrounded on three sides. Lee surrendered to Grant on April 9. This was the final engagement of the war in Virginia.