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

[535] Petersburg to obtain what information he could in regard to the movements of Lee. The streets were nearly vacant, but here and there groups of women and children gazed curiously at the conqueror. The negroes came up closer, and a few gave cheers; but the entry into the captured town had none of the formalities of a triumph. Grant rode through the narrow streets, attended only by his staff, and alighted at the house of a citizen, where he sat in the porch, receiving intelligence and examining prisoners. Soon an officer from Sheridan arrived with reports. ‘Before receiving your dispatch,’ said Sheridan, ‘I had anticipated the evacuation of Petersburg, and had commenced moving west. My cavalry is nine miles beyond Namozine creek, and is pressing the enemy's trains. I shall push on to the Danville road as rapidly as possible.’ Grant replied, at 10.20 A. M.: ‘The troops got off from here early, marching by the River and Cox roads. It is understood that the enemy will make a stand at Amelia court-house, with the expectation of holding the road between Danville and Lynchburg. The first object of present movement will be to intercept Lee's army, and the second to secure Burksville. I have ordered the road to be put in order up to the latter place as soon as possible. I shall hold that place if Lee stops at Danville, and shall hold it anyhow, until his policy is indicated. Make your movements according to this programme.’

Soon after this he received a dispatch from City Point, announcing that the President was coming up to Petersburg, and replied: ‘Say to the President that an officer and escort will attend him, but, as to myself, I start towards the Danville road with the ’