[
510]
point from which he could effect a junction with
Johnston in
North Carolina.
The place selected for this purpose was
Burkeville, at the crossing of the
South Side and Danville roads, fifty miles southwest from
Richmond, whence a short distance would bring him to
Danville, where the desired junction could be made.
Even yet he was able to cradle himself in the illusion that it was only a campaign that had failed, and that he might continue the war indefinitely in another field.
At nightfall all his preparations were completed, and dismounting at the mouth of the road leading to
Amelia Court House, the first point of rendezvous, where he had directed supplies to be sent, he watched his troops file noiselessly by in the darkness.
By three o'clock the town was abandoned; at half-past 4 it was formally surrendered.
Meade, reporting the news to
Grant, received orders to march his army immediately up the
Appomattox; and divining
Lee's intentions,
Grant also sent word to
Sheridan to push with all speed to the
Danville road.
Thus flight and pursuit began almost at the same moment.
The swift-footed Army of Northern Virginia was racing for its life, and Grant, inspired with more than his habitual tenacity and energy, not only pressed his enemy in the rear, but hung upon his flank, and strained every nerve to get in his front.
He did not even allow himself the pleasure of entering Richmond, which surrendered to Weitzel early on the morning of the third.
All that day Lee pushed forward toward Amelia Court House.
There was little fighting except among the cavalry.
A terrible disappointment awaited Lee on his arrival at Amelia Court House on the fourth.
He had ordered supplies to be forwarded there, but his half-starved troops found no food awaiting them,
