General Robert E. Lee to Lieutenant-General Richard S. Ewell, April 3, 1865, 6:30 p.m.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA,

April 3, 1865, 6.30 P. M.

HEBRON CHURCH, 6 miles from Goode's Ford.

LIEUTENANT-GENERAL EWELL:

When you were directed to cross the Appomattox at Genito Bridge, it was supposed that a pontoon bridge had been laid at that point, as ordered. But I learn today from Mr. Hascall that such is not the case. Should you not be able to cross at that point or at some bridge higher up, you must take the best road to Rudd's Store on the Goode's Bridge road, and cross the Appomattox on the bridge at that point, and then conform to your original instructions.

This portion of the army is now on its way to Goode's Bridge, the flats of Bevel's Bridge being flooded by high water. Notify me of your approach to the bridge and passage of the Appomattox by courier to Amelia Court House or wherever I may be.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. E. LEE,

General.

P. S. — 7.30 A. M., April 4th. The courier has returned with this note, having been able to learn nothing of you. I am about to cross the river. Get to Amelia Court House as soon as possible, and let me hear from you.

R. E. LEE.

 John William Jones, Life and Letters of Robert Edward Lee: Soldier and Man, p. 365

General Robert E. Lee to John C. Breckinridge, April 2, 1865

HEADQUARTERS, VIA PETERSBURG, April 2, 1865.

GEN. J. C. BRECKINRIDGE.

I see no prospect of doing more than holding our position here till night. I am not certain that I can do that; if I can, I shall withdraw tonight north of the Appomattox, and if possible it will be better to withdraw the whole line tonight from James River; the brigades on Hatcher's Run are cut off from us. Enemy have broken through our lines and interposed between us and them, and there is no bridge over which they can cross the Appomattox this side of Goode or Bevel, which are not very far from the Danville Railroad. Our only chance, then, of concentrating our forces is to do so near Danville Railroad, which I shall endeavor to do at once. I advise that all preparations be made for leaving Richmond tonight. I will advise you later according to circumstances.

R. E. LEE.

SOURCE: John William Jones, Life and Letters of Robert Edward Lee: Soldier and Man, p. 364