" But he would meet General Grant on the next
morning to discuss the whole affair.
There the correspondence had terminated. What was the opinion of his
corps commanders?
Their replies were brief and informal. The scene was august but simple.
What was determined upon was this---
That the army should continue its march on the next day toward
Lynchburg, breaking through Sheridan's cavalry which was known to be in
front; but in case the Federal infantry, a very different thing from
the cavalry, was found to be "up," then Gordon, who was to lead the
advance, should inform the commander-in-chief of that fact, when a flag
of truce would be sent to General Grant acceding to the terms of
capitulation proposed in his last note to General Lee.
Fitzhugh Lee only stipulated that if he saw that the Federal infantry
in his front, rendered surrender inevitable, he should be allowed to go
off with his cavalry to save the horses of his men.
This was agreed to, and it will be seen that Fitz Lee availed himself
of the conmmander-in-chief's permission.
So ended that last council of war, by the camp fire.
With grave salutes and a cordial pressure of the brave hands, the
famous soldiers took leave of Lee.
As they disappeared he drew his blanket around him and fell asleep by
the blazing fire.
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