Adam Badeau, Military history of Ulysses S. Grant from April 1861 to April 1865. Volume 2

At his Headquarters he remained as calm as ever, but talked freely of the importance of the event and of its consequences. He declared that this was the end of the war; that all the other rebel armies would quickly yield: there might be guerillas, or partisan fighting here and there, but no great battle or campaign could now occur; and he announced his intention of returning to Washington on the morrow, to direct the disbanding of the armies. His officers were disappointed at this determination, for they had hoped to see something of the army they had contended with so long; and those who were intimate enough suggested that he should remain at Appomattox at least a day. But the expenses of the war amounted to four millions of dollars a day, and it was important to save this cost to the country. Grant was indifferent to the spectacle of his triumphs, and only anxious to secure their reality and result. One of the most important results would be the diminution of this immense outlay.

It was ascertained, however, that the Petersburg and Lynchburg railroad could be put in condition from a point a few miles off by noon of the following day, and as no time would be gained by starting sooner, the general-in-chief consented to visit the rebel lines, Accordingly, at about nine o'clock on the morning of April 10th, he rode out with his staff, accompanied also by Sheridan, Ord, Griffin, and several of their officers, a small cavalry escort attending. The party proceeded to the mound in