Grant, Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson) (1822-1885) to Theodore S. Bowers
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
A high-resolution version of this object is available for registered users. LOG IN
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00082 Author/Creator: Grant, Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson) (1822-1885) Place Written: Burkesville, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 6 April 1865 Pagination: 2 p. ; 25 x 20 cm Order a Copy
Writes to his aide at City Point, Virginia regarding the last few days of fighting during the Appomattox campaign. Reports that the Confederate troops left their position at the Amelia Court House to make a break for Danville last night. States that the Union cavalry lay in position to attack near Jetersville had the Confederates not moved. Details the movements of his troops as they trailed the Confederates and informs that they picked up many stragglers and burned their wagons. Admits they did not capture as many prisoners as he had hoped although they destroyed a lot of the Confederate supplies and materials. Relays that General John Gibbon with Foster's and Turner's Divisions of the 24th Corps have arrived and were sent out to Farmville hoping to head off the Confederate troops and destroy the Army of Northern Virginia. Comments on the good spirit of the troops and predicts Lee's surrender, "The finest spirit prevails among the men and I believe that in three days more Lee will not have an Army of 5000 men to take out of Va. and no train or supplies."
The Appomattox Campaign occurred 29 March-9 April 1865. General Philip Sheridan's Confederate forces convened at Amelia Courthouse to find supplies and use the Danville and Richmond railroad to link up with General J. E. Johnston's forces. Grant acted to prevent this. The final actions took place at Appomattox Station on 8 April 1865 and the Appomattox Courthouse on 9 April 1865 and forced Lee's surrender that same day.
Head Quarters Armies of the United States,
Burkesville Apl. 6th 1865
Col. T. S. Bowers, City Point,
The enemy left his position at Amelia C. H. during the night last night and attempted to get to Danville by the roads West of this place. The cavalry, 2d. 5th & 6th Corps lay in the vicinity of Jetersville ready to attack this morning had he not moved. Their position was admirable for attacking in flank. Accordingly this morning these [struck: these Corps] troops were moved out in roads nearly parallel, the Cavalry & 6th Corps on the left, the 2d in the center and the 5th on the right. The latter got upon the road after the enemy had passed but pushed after him with great vigor, picked up many of the enemys stragglers and forced him to burn many of his waggons. All the others struck the enemy but the Country being open and roads numerous have not so far [2] made as large captures of prisoners as I had hoped. They however forced the enemy to abandon much of his train, Ammunition &c. and are still pushing. Gen. Gibbon with Foster's & Turner's Divisions of the 24th Corps reached here last night after a march of 28 miles for the day. These troops were sent out to Farmville this afternoon and I am in hopes will head the enemy and enable us to totally break up the Army of Northern Va. The troops are all pushing now though it is after night and they have had no rest for more than one week. The finest spirits prevail among the men and I believe that in three days more Lee will not have an Army of 5000 men to take out of Va. and no train or supplies. I have just returned from the right.
U. S. Grant
Lt. Gen.
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.