but the Appomattox, turbid and swollen from recent rains to such an extent as to make fording impossible. After seeking in vain for bridges, they finally reached the north bank by means of an indifferent ferry; but many threw away their arms from necessity, and crossed by swimming.
Such information as has been given of the collision at Sutherland's depot was derived from reports of two of my brigade commanders.[1]
In the afternoon, about 3 o'clock P. M., General Lee, in the presence of General Longstreet, General Heth and myself, sitting on the portico of Captain McQuaine's house, to the left and near the Cox road, a half or three-fourths of a mile from Petersburg, dictated the following order to his Adjutant-General, Col. W. H. Taylor:
"April 2d, 1865.
"Gens. Longstreet and Hill's corps will cross the pontoon bridge at Battesea factory and take the River road, north side of Appomattox, to Bevel's bridge, to-night. Gen. Gordon's corps will cross at Pocahontas and Railroad bridges, his troops
- ↑ "Petersburg, 4 P. M.
"I am so much obliged to you for letting us hear from you. Of course we feel the greatest solicitude about our friends at this critical period, but trust all will be well for us.
"Firm trust in a merciful God and in the judgment of our great and good Lee will, I feel confident, in the end insure success. I hope you will be able to keep up, and by your presence encourage your brave men.
" E. and the young ladies unite in the kindest regards. Let us hear from you whenever you can.
"With prayers for your success and safety, believe me,
"Very sincerely,
"M. I. W."This was in reply to a note written to inform her that Petersburg would be evacuated at 8 P. M. It shows what was the faith in the justice of our cause, and confidence in our Commanding-General that prevailed very generally up to this date.
