Chapter 31
- After the surrender -- Grant's final conference with Lee -- the dawn of peace -- Grant Avoids a visit to Richmond -- his respect for Religion -- Grant's enthusiastic reception at Washington -- his last interview with Lincoln -- John Wilkes Booth Shadows Grant -- Grant's interrupted Journey -- Lincoln's assassination
Before parting Lee asked Grant to notify Meade of the surrender, fearing that fighting might break out on that front, and lives be uselessly lost. This request was complied with, and two Union officers were sent through the enemy's lines as the shortest route to Meade, some of Lee's officers accompanying them to prevent their being interfered with. A little before four o'clock General Lee shook hands with General Grant, bowed to the other officers, and with Colonel Marshall left the room. One after another we followed, and passed out to the porch. Lee signaled to his orderly to bring up his horse, and while the animal was being bridled the general stood on the lowest step, and gazed sadly in the direction of the valley beyond, where his army lay-now an army of prisoners. He thrice smote the palm of his left hand slowly with his right fist in an absent sort of way, seemed not to see the group of Union officers in the yard, who rose respectfully at his approach, and appeared unaware of everything about
