Peace might follow this
interview. It might end in resumption of hostilities, in fiercest battle,
in terrible carnage. The two armies were plainly visible to one another.
The Confederates skirted a strip of woods in rear of the town. Through the
vistas of the streets might be seen their wagon trains. The minutes passed
but slowly. The approach of every horseman attracted an eager look. Two
o'clock had been appointed by Grant for the resumption of hostilities. It
arrived, and the Federal skirmish line commenced to advance. The
Confederate pickets were in plain sight, and stationary. A moment more and
the crack of the rifle would indicate the resumption of carnage. But a
clatter of hoofs is heard, and a flag of truce appears upon this scene,
with an order from General Grant that hostilities should cease until
further orders.

After the interview at McLean's house General Lee returned to his own
camp, about half a mile distant, where his leading officers were assembled
awaiting his return. He announced the result and the terms. They then
approached him in order of rank, shook hands, expressed satisfaction at
his course and their regret at parting, all shedding tears on the
occasion. The fact of surrender and the forms were then announced to the
troops, and when General Lee appeared among them he was loudly cheered.

At about four o'clock it was announced in Grant's army that the surrender
had been consummated and signed. And now the enthusiasm which had been
restrained by uncertainty broke loose. The various brigade commanders
announced the joyful news to their commands, and cheers of the wildest
description followed. The men leaped, ran, jumped, threw themselves into
each other's arms and seemed mad with joy.

The day after the surrender General Lee bid farewell to his army in the
following simple address, so characteristic of his plain and manly style
of writing:

GENERAL ORDER,}
NO. 9.}

HEADQ'RS ARMY N. V.,}
APRIL 10th, 1865. }

After four years of arduous service, marked by unsurpassed courage and
fortitude, the Army of Northern Virginia has been compelled to yield to
overwhelming numbers and resources.

I need not tell the survivors of so many hard fought battles, who have
remained steadfast to the last, that I have consented to this result from
no distrust of them; but, feeling that valor and devotion could accomplish
nothing that could compensate for the loss that would have attended the