AIKEN'S LANDING, April
5, 1865 — 11.30 a.m.
(Received 2 p.m.)
Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON,
Secretary of War:
Little is known at City Point. Few officers left, and those
overwhelmed with work. Lee telegraphed Jeff. Davis 3 p.m. Sunday that he was
driven back and must evacuate. This was announced in church. Jeff. Davis had
sold his furniture previously at auction and was ready to leave. All leading
men got away that evening. Rebel iron-clads were exploded. Virginia lies sunk
in James River above obstructions. Ewell set city on fire. All business portion
of Main street to the river destroyed. Bridges across river also destroyed.
Many families remain. Mrs. Lee remains. At Petersburg public stores were burned
and a few houses caught fire, but not much damage was done to the city. Bridges
there also destroyed. Will report fully from Richmond. Cannot get clear idea of
our loss. The only general killed is Winthrop. Potter dangerously wounded in
groin. General Grant has commanded armies in person since beginning of operations,
having got disgusted with General Meade's stickling about his own dignity.
General Grant relieved Warren from Fifth Corps Sunday for disaster of Friday.
Griffin commands that corps. Warren commands defenses of Petersburg.
Headquarters will be moved to Richmond* to-morrow. Weitzel has appointed
Shepley governor of Richmond. Have not seen the President. He went to Richmond
yesterday morning.
Weather fine.
C. A. DANA,
Assistant Secretary
of War.
_______________
* Another copy says Petersburg.
SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of
the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I Volume
46, Part 3 (Serial No. 97), p. 574
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