Today in History:

653 Series I Volume XLVI-III Serial 97 - Appomattox Campaign Part III

Page 653 Chapter LVIII. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.

CAVALRY HEADQUARTERS,

April 8, 1865-9.20 p. m.

Lieutenant General U. S. GRANT,

Commanding Armies of the United States:

GENERAL: I marched early this morning from Buffalo Creek and Prospect Station on Appomattox Station, where my scouts had reported trains of cars with supplies for Lee's army. A short time before dusk General Custer, who had the advance, made a dash at the station, capturing four trains of supplies with locomotives. One of the trains was burned and the others were ruhr back toward Court-House, driving the enemy, who kept up a heavy fire of artillery, charging them repeatedly and capturing, as far as reported, twenty-five pieces of artillery and a number of prisoners and wagons. The sent across the Appomattox reports the enemy moving on the Cumberland road to Appomattox Station, where they expected to get supplies. Custer is still pushing on. If General Gibbon and the Fifth Corps can get up to-night we will perhaps finish the job in the morning. I do not think Lee to surrender until compelled to do so.

Very respectfully, general, your obedient servant,

P. H. SHERIDAN,

Major-General, U. S. Army, Commanding.

CAVALRY HEADQUARTERS,

April 8, 1865-9.40 p. m.

Lieutenant General U. S. GRANT,

Commanding Armies of the United States:

GENERAL: Since writing the accompanying dispatch* General Custer reports that this command has captured in all thirty pieces of artillery, 1,000 prisoners, including one general officer, and from 150 to 200 wagons.

Very respectfully, general,

P. H. SHERIDAN,

Major-General, U. S. Army, Commanding.

ORDERS.] CAVALRY HEADQUARTERS.

Appomattox Depot, April 8, 1865.

The troops of this command will be formed and on the alert at 4 a. m. to-morrow.

By command of Major-General Sheridan:

JAS. W. FORSYTH,

Chief of Staff.

CAVALRY HEADQUARTERS,

Prospect Station, April 8, 1865.

Major General GEORGE CROOK,

Commanding Second Cavalry Division:

GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you move your command in the direction of Appomattox Depot, so as to reach

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*See next, ante.

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Page 653 Chapter LVIII. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.