illing to offer. Without waiting for a reply, he again put his men in
motion, and during all of the eighth the chase and pursuit continued
through a part of Virginia green with spring, and until then unvisited
by hostile armies.

Sheridan, by unheard-of exertions, at last accomplished the important
task of placing himself squarely on Lee's line of retreat. About sunset
of the eighth, his advance captured Appomattox Station and four trains
of provisions. Shortly after, a reconnaissance revealed the fact that
Lee's entire army was coming up the road. Though he had nothing but
cavalry, Sheridan resolved to hold the inestimable advantage he had
gained, and sent a request to Grant to hurry up the required infantry
support; saying that if it reached him that night, they "might perhaps
finish the job in the morning." He added, with singular prescience,
referring to the negotiations which had been opened: "I do not think Lee
means to surrender until compelled to do so."

This was strictly true. When Grant replied to Lee's question about
terms, saying that the only condition he insisted upon was that the
officers and men surrendered should be disqualified from taking up arms
again until properly exchanged, Lee disclaimed any intention to
surrender his army, but proposed to meet Grant to discuss the
restoration of peace. It appears from his own report that even on the
night of the eighth he had no intention of giving up the fight. He
expected to find only cavalry before him next morning, and thought his
remnant of infantry could break through while he himself was amusing
Grant with platonic discussions in the rear. But on arriving at the
rendezvous he had suggested, he received Grant's courteous but decided
refusal to enter into a political negotiation, and also the news that a
formidable force of infantry barred the way and covered the adjacent
hills and valley. The marching of the Confederate army was over forever,
and Lee, suddenly brought to a sense of his real situation, sent orders
to cease hostilities, and wrote another note to Grant, asking an
interview for the purpose of surrendering his army.

The meeting took place at the house of Wilmer McLean, in the edge of the
village of Appomattox, on April 9, 1865. Lee met Grant at the threshold,
and ushered him into a small and barely furnished parlor, where were
soon assembled the leading officers of the national army. General Lee
was accompanied only by his secretary, Colone