Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 15.djvu/22

 XXII of other officers, and one or two citizens who entered the room at different times during the interview."

"The scene witnessed upon the return of General Lee [writes Colonel Taylor *] was one certain to impress itself indelibly upon the memory; it can be vividly recalled, after the lapse of many years, but no description can do it justice. The men crowded around him eager to shake him by the hand; eyes that had so often illumined with the fire of patriotism and true courage; that had so often glared with defiance in the heat and fury of battle, and so often kindled with enthusiasm and pride in the hour of success, moistened now; cheeks bronzed by exposure in many campaigns, and withal begrimed with powder and dust, now blanched from deep emotion and suffered the silent tear; tongues that had so often carried dismay to the hearts of the enemy in that indescribable cheer which accompanied 'the charge,' or that had so often made the air resound with the paen of victory, refused utterance now; brave hearts failed that had never quailed in the presence of the enemy, but the firm and silent pressure of the hand told most eloquently of souls filled with admiration, love and tender sympathy for their beloved chief. He essayed to thank them, but too full a heart paralyzed his speech; he soon sought a short respite from these trying scenes and retired to his private quarters that he might, in solitude and quiet, commune with his own brave heart and be still."

"About 9 o'clock on the morning of the 10th [writes General Porter †] General Grant with his staff rode out towards the enemy's lines, but it was found, upon attempting to pass through, that the force of habit is hard to overcome, and that the practice which had been so long inculcated in Lee's army of keeping Grant out of its lines was not to be overturned in a day, and he was politely requested at the picket lines to wait till a message could be sent to headquarters asking for instructions. As soon as Lee heard that his distinguished opponent was approaching, he was prompt to correct the misunderstanding at the picket line, and rode out at a gallop to receive him. They met on a knoll which overlooked the lines of the two armies, and saluted respectfully by each raising his hat. The officers present gave a similar salute, and then grouped themselves around the two chieftains in a semi-circle, but withdrew out of ear-shot. General Grant repeated to us that evening the substance of the conversation, which was as follows:

.*Four Years with General Lee, page 153. †Century, November, 1887.