that Gordon should undertake to break through Sheridan's cavalry. This movement was begun at daylight with firing in front of Crook (Capt. Black) and Mackenzie (Capt. Hads). In order to give Gen. Ord (Capt. Hodge and Capt. Burke) and Gen. Griffin's 5th Corps (Capt. Powell Stackhouse) time to form on the field, Sheridan directed Gen. Merritt (Capt. Blough) to gradually fall back, and in so doing to shift Devin's and Custer's (Capt. Blough) divisions of cavalry to the right to let Ord's and Griffin's troops come in line, with the latter on the right. Griffin's corps (Capt. Stackhouse) after an hour's rest on Sunday morning, started at dawn, marched two miles before breakfast, and then continued the pursuit, soon coming up to Sheridan's dismounted cavalry. (Capt. Blough), which was slowly falling to the rear and side to make room for them and Ord's troops. As soon as the cavalry moved back, Ord (Capts. Hodge and O'Connell) and Griffin (Capt. Stackhouse) formed, and on a double-quick to the right soon faced the enemy in a solid line of battle with cavalry on either flank, their bayonets gleaming and flags flying ready for the order. Sheridan's line of battle was now completed and he gave the order to charge. This formation was made in full view of the enemy and they knew what was coming. Gen. Custer (Capt. Blough) was ready to start, but some detail elsewhere held the line for a few moments. Just as the line was about to move Lee ran up the white flag, and Peace came on that beautiful Palm Sunday morning.
Gen. George A. Custer (Capt. Blough) sent a staff officer to Gen. Sheridan with this dispatch: "Lee has surrendered; do not charge; the white flag is up." The surrender had come so suddenly that many of Lee's troops had continued their firing after the flag had been run up, and to a group of Confederate officers riding near him, Sheridan said, addressing himself with some impulsiveness to Gordon, "General, your men fired on me as I was coming over here and undoubtedly they are treating Merritt and Custer (Capt. Blough) the same way. We might as well let them fight it out." Replying, "There must be some mistake." Gen. Gordon directed his staff officers to stop it. When quietness was restored, Gordon said to Sheridan, "General Lee asks a suspension of hostilities." "I will entertain no terms except that Gen. Lee shall surrender to Gen. Grant on his arrival." Being assured that Lee's army was exhausted and that his surrender to Gen. Grant would fol-
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