Fearful rumours are reaching us from sources which it is
hard to doubt, that it is all too true, and that General Lee surrendered on
Sunday last, the 9th of April. The news came to the enemy by telegram during
the day, and to us at night by the hoarse and pitiless voice of the cannon. We
know, of course, that circumstances forced it upon our great commander and his
gallant army. How all this happened — how Grant's hundreds of thousands
overcame our little band, history, not I, must tell my children's children. It
is enough for me to tell them that all that bravery and self-denial could do
has been done. We do not yet give up all hope. General Johnston is in the
field, but there are thousands of the enemy to his tens. The citizens are
quiet. The calmness of despair is written on every countenance. Private sorrows
are now coming upon us. We know of but few casualties.
SOURCE: Judith W. McGuire, Diary of a Southern
Refugee, During the War, p. 353-4
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