[606]
He then wrote out his letter of surrender in these words:
While the conditions were being copied the various national officers were presented to Lee. He was collected and courteous, bowed to each, but offered none his hand.
One—General Seth Williams —who had served closely with him in the old army, attempted to revive old memories, but Lee repelled the advances coldly.
He was in no mood to remember ancient friendships, or to recall pleasantly his service in the army of which he was now a prisoner, or under that flag which he had betrayed.
He had, however, another request to make.
His men were starving; they had lived, he said, on two ears of corn a day for several days.
Would Grant supply them with food?
There was a train of cars at Lynchburg loaded with rations, which had come from Danville for his army.
Would Grant allow these to be distributed among the prisoners?
Grant, however, informed him that this train had been captured the day before by Sheridan.
Thus, at the moment of his surrender, Lee was absolutely dependent for supplies upon his conqueror.
Grant
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New York Appleton 1885.
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