Their replies were brief and informal. The scene was august but simple. What was determined upon was this—-
That the army should continue its march on the next day toward Lynchburg, breaking through Sheridan’s cavalry which was known to be in front; but in case the Federal infantry, a very different thing from the cavalry, was found to be “up,” then Gordon, who was to lead the advance, should inform the commander-in-chief of that fact, when a flag of truce would be sent to General Grant acceding to the terms of capitulation proposed in his last note to General Lee.
Fitzhugh Lee only stipulated that if he saw that the Federal infantry in his front, rendered surrender inevitable, he should be allowed to go off with his cavalry to save the horses of his men.
This was agreed to, and it will be seen that Fitz Lee availed himself of the conmmander-in-chief’s permission.
So ended that last council of war, by the camp fire.
With grave salutes and a cordial pressure of the brave hands, the famous soldiers took leave of Lee.
As they disappeared he drew his blanket around him and fell asleep by the blazing fire.
It was the night of April 8th, 1865—three years, day for day, from the moment when these lines are written.