Page:The Presidents of the United States, 1789-1914, v. III.djvu/87

 ULYSSES SIMPSON GRANT 61 afternoon of the 6th, Sheridan, with his cavalry and the 6th corps, attacked him at Sailor s Creek, capturing 7 general officers, about 7,000 men, and 14 guns. The 2d corps had kept up a running fight with the enemy all day, and had captured 4 guns, 17,000 prisoners, 13 flags, and 300 wagons. Lee w r as continuing his retreat through Farmville, and Grant urged troops to that place by forced marches on the 7th. The 2d corps and a portion of the cavalry had been repelled in their attacks on Lee, north of the Appomattox, and the 6th corps crossed from Farmville on the evening of the 7th to re- enforce them. That night Gen. Grant sent a note from Farm ville to Lee, calling his attention to the hope lessness of further resistance, and asking the sur render of his army. He received a reply from Lee on the morning of the 8th, saying he was not en tirely of Grant s opinion as to the hopelessness of further resistance, but asking what terms would be offered. Grant, who was still at Farmville, im mediately replied, saying that, as peace was his great desire, he would insist on but one condition that the men and officers surrendered should be dis qualified from taking up arms again until properly exchanged. On the 8th Lee s troops were in full retreat on the north side of the Appomattox. The 2d and 6th corps followed in hot pursuit on that side, while Sheridan, Ord, and the 5th corps were