It was the night they drove Old Dixie down, the bells were ringing.
Richmond was in flames as Lee and his forces evacuated the city.
On March 25th Lee had ordered the attack on Fort Stedman in an attempt to breakout part of his force. The Confederates took the Fort initially, but they were indeed hungry and barely alive. As they attempted to secure both the Fort and some provisions they were repulsed by artillery from 2 adjoining Union forts that had not fallen. In the ensuing 400 yard dash across open ground the Confederates were raked by cannister and grape. On my Father's side of the family an ancestor who had made it through many of the well known battles was hit in both legs, losing one. Less than 2 weeks of fighting left for most. To the south, back home, the homefolks saw a blood red sunset that night, Sherman was burning his way towards them. Lee hunkered down but realized he would never be able to detatch a portion of his army. Under attacks from Grant, they broke out on this night hoping to head to Danville or Lynchburg for supplies. On my Mothers side our ancestor was with Grimes brigade defending Fort Damnation until they took leave of the city. After the destruction of 2 corps to their rear at Sailor's Creek on the 6th of April, they found themselves in the rear with little optimism for surviving the dawn. The family story, and in my lifetime it has been confirmed by the diary of his commanding officer, my Mother's gg Grandfather, not wanting the colors he had carried and protected to be taken, asked his commander and then sadly wrapped the flag around a rock and slipped it into the Appamatox. Happily for me, he was captured the next day and sent to Point Lookout Maryland, where coincidentally my Father's gg Grandfather had been sent to the hospital with his leg injuries. To my knowledge they never met but it is interesting how lives seem to circle.
One of the hardest and saddest times in our nation's history was drawing to a close. We are truly blessed.
Thanks for the post.
Thanks Don.. Now I have Levon and The Band doing an endless loop through my mind. ;D
Quiet night ... on a tenuous connection sitting on a wind blown mesa on the way home. Probably home tomorrow.