252 Norra Carorina Troops, 1861-’65.

the wagon train—marching by the left flank through the
woods parallel to the road traveled by the wagon train, and
about one hundred or so yards distant from the road. Upon
reaching the road and point that turns towards Lynchburg
from the Cumberland road, three of my brigades, Cook’s,
Cox’s and Cowand’s, had crossed the Cumberland road and
were in line of battle, and at right angles with Battle’s and
Archer’s Brigades, who were still parallel with the Cumber-
land road. Weavy firing was going on at this point, when
General Mahone came rushing up and reported that the en-
emy had charged, turning his flank, and driving his men
from their guns and the works which he had erected early
in the day for the protection of these cross roads. I then
ordered my three brigades, Cook’s, Cox’s and Cowand’s (to
move) at a double-quick on the line with Battle and Archer,
and charging the enemy, we drove them well off from Ma-
hone’s works; recapturing the artillery taken by them and
capturing a large number of prisoners. I held this position
until sent for by General Lee, who complimented the troops
of the division upon the charge made and the service ren-
dered, ordering me to leave a skirmish line in my front, and
stating that Field’s Division would oceupy my position; I
was to hurry with all possible dispatch to the road which
intersected the Lynchburg road, as the enemy’s cavalry were
reported to be approaching by that road.

We reached this road, halting and keeping the enemy in
check, until. the wagons had passed, and then continued the
march parallel with the road traveled by the wagon train,
continuing thus to march until night, when we took the road
following to protect the trains.

On Saturday, the Sth, no enemy appeared, and we marched
undisturbed all day. Up to this time, since the evacuation of
Petersburg, we had marched day and ‘night, continually fol-
lowed and harassed by the enemy. The men were very much
jaded and suffering for necessary sustenance, our halts not
having been sufficiently long to prepare their food, besides all
our cooking utensils not captured or abandoned were where
we could not reach them. This day Bushrod Johnson’s Di-
vision was assigned to and placed under my command, by

ar rene aes cn at i i Mane 5

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SURRENDER AT APPOMATTOX. 253

order of General Lee. Upon passing a clear stream of water
and learning that the other division of the corps had gone
into camp some two miles ahead, I concluded to halt and give

my broken down men an opportunity to close up and rejoin
us, and sent a message to Major-General John B. Gordon,
commanding the Corps, making known my whereabouts, in-
forming him I would be at any point he might designate at
any hour desired.

By dark my men were all quiet and asleep. About 9
o’clock I heard the roar of artillery in our front and in con-
sequence of information received, I had my command aroused
in time and passed through the town of Appomattox Court

House before daylight, where, upon the opposite side of the
town, I found the enemy in my front. Throwing out my

skirmishers and forming line of battle, I reconnoitred and
satisfied myself as to their position, and awaited the arrival
of General Gordon for instructions who, a while before day,
accompanied by General Fitz Lee, came to my position, when
we held a council of war. General Gordon was of the opin-
ion that the troops in our front were cavalry, and that Gen-
eral Fitz Lee should attack. Fitz Lee thought they were
infantry and that General Gordon should attack. They dis-
cussed the matter so long that I became impatient, and said it
was somebody’s duty to attack, and that immediately, and
I felt satisfied that they could be driven from the cross roads
occupied by them, which was the route it was desirable that
our wagon train should pursue, and that I would undertake
it; whereupon Gordon said, “Well, drive them off.” I replied,
“T cannot do it with my division alone, but require assist-
ance.” He then said, “You can take the two other divisions
of the Corps.” By this time it was becoming sufficiently
light to make the surrounding localities visible. I then rode
down and invited General Walker, who commanded a divis-
ion on my left, composed principally of Virginians, to ride
with me, showing him the position of the enemy and explain-
ing to him my views and plan of attack. He agreed with
me as to its advisability. I did this because I felt that I
had assumed a very great responsibility when I took upon
myself the charge of making the attack. I then made dispo-