Appomattox: April 9, 1865

Student Book Appomattox, April 9, 1865 From the Sauk County Riflemen, by Phillip Cheek and Mair Pointon, published 1909

Compiled by Beverly Vaillancourt, M.Ed

The Appomattox video and accompanying Student Booklet are dedicated to the staff of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum for their careful documentation, preservation, and sharing of the history of Wisconsin’s Civil War soldiers.

© Sauk County Historical Society 2023

https://vimeo.com/850330232

Contents Diary Used for Appomattox Video ���������������������������������������������������������������������1 The Sauk County Riflemen, by Philip Cheek and Mair Pointon, Published in 1909 ��������������������������������� 1 Video: Appomattox, April 9, 1865 - May 24, 1865 (31 minutes) ������������������������������������������������������������������ 1 Diary Reading of Philip Cheek and Mair Pointon (pages 170 - 184) ������������������������������������� 2 The reading for the video is performed by Lindsay Wood Davis ���������������������������������������������������������������� 2

Key Generals ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������2 Ulysses S. Grant - Union ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 2 William Tecumseh Sherman - Union ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 3 Philip H. Sheridan - Union ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 4 Robert E. Lee - Confederate ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 4 Key Events Leading to the Surrender of Lee’s Army ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 5 The Fall of Richmond ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 5

Diary Biographies ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������6 Philip Cheek Jr. (1841 - 1911) ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 6 Mair Pointon (1843 - 1921) ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 7

Muster ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������8 Major Battles–Company A, 6th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry ������������������������������������������������������������������� 8 Roster ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 8 Diary Selections, March 31, 1965 - April 3, 1865 ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 9

March 31, 1865 Five Forks - April 1, 1865 Sunday, April 2, 1865 Burkeville Road, April 2, 1965 Letter of Mair Pointon to his brother, dated April 24, 1865

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Video Critical Thinking Questions ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 17 Primary Source Documents Inquiry �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 17

Significant Documents ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 18 The Militia Act of 1862 ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 18 Emancipation Proclamation ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 19 Scholars’ Perspectives ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 21 Essay Suggestions ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 21 Project-based Learning ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 22 Resources ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 22

Diary Used for Appomattox Video The Sauk County Riflemen, by Philip Cheek and Mair Pointon, Published in 1909 Online source: https://content.wisconsinhistory.org/digital/collection/quiner/id/44713 Philip Cheek and Mair Pointon explain that Sauk County Riflemen was the name adopted before the group mustered into service and became Company A of the 6th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry.

Video: Appomattox, April 9, 1865 - May 24, 1865 (31 minutes) The video uses public domain photos archived with the Library of Congress, NYPL Public Domain, and public domain drawings found in Harper’s Weekly, Volume 9, 1864-1865. The work of the artists who brought the vision of the war to the readers of Harper’s Weekly is extraordinary in artistry and detailed work.

Look carefully for the messages being conveyed by the artist in each of the drawings. Images courtesy of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum and the Sauk County Historical Society also are found in the video.

Video critical thinking questions–Go To page 17

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Diary Reading of Philip Cheek and Mair Pointon (pages 170 - 184) The reading for the video is performed by Lindsay Wood Davis In this section of the Sauk County Riflemen, Philip Cheek and Mair Pointon describe the soldiers’ surprise at learning of the surrender of Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia and the elation of the soldiers once the news spread. The day of surrender is described with Cheek noting a sense of good-will among all soldiers, Confederate and Union. This sense of friendship overlays the vast amount of destruction and carnage on the battlefield, and provides an opportunity for reflection on what the end of the war meant to all soldiers. Yet, while Cheek and Pointon revel in the war’s end, the consequences of the war on Confederate soldiers returning home, and their sense of loss, cannot be understated.

Philip Cheek was injured at Antietam and left the battlefield, yet continued to serve as Provost Marshall. Mair Pointon remained in service at the battlefield throughout the war, and rose through the ranks as his leadership skills were recognized. The Sauk County Riflemen was written by both Cheek and Pointon as a collaboration of their experiences, reflections, diary entries, and letters home and cover the entirety of the war.

Key Generals Ulysses S. Grant - Union In March 1864, President Abraham Lincoln appointed Grant as Lieutenant General. Later Grant was promoted to the newly created rank of General of the Army of the United States. Grant developed a coordinated strategy to defeat the Confederate forces by relentlessly pursuing them and engaging in multiple simultaneous offensives. He implemented a series of successful campaigns, including the Siege of Vicksburg, which resulted in the surrender of the Confederate stronghold and control of the Mississippi River by the Union.

General Ulysses S. Grant: 2

Library of Congress, Civil War Collection

Grant’s most renowned campaign was his leadership of the Army of the Potomac against General Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia. In a series of brutal battles known as the Overland Campaign in 1864, including the Battles of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania Court House, and Cold Harbor, Grant relentlessly pursued Lee’s forces, inflicting heavy casualties but also sustaining significant losses.

Despite the heavy losses, Grant recognized the Union’s superior resources and the need to continue pressing the Confederacy. He devised a strategy of attrition and pursued Lee’s army until the surrender at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865, effectively ending the Civil War.

William Tecumseh Sherman - Union Brigadier General William Tecumseh Sherman was a prominent Union general during the American Civil War. He is best known for his military campaigns in the Western Theater and his innovative tactics of “total war.” One of Sherman’s most famous military campaigns was the “March to the Sea” in 1864.

As commander of the Union’s Western armies, he led his forces from Atlanta, Georgia, to Savannah, Georgia, in a campaign of total warfare. Sherman’s troops inflicted significant damage to Confederate infrastructure, industry, and civilian property along their path, aiming to undermine the Confederate war effort and demoralize the Southern population.

General William Techumseh Sherman Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division

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Philip H. Sheridan - Union In 1864, Lieutenant General Sheridan was assigned to command the Union Army’s cavalry forces in the Eastern Theater. His rank placed him just below that of General Grant. He played a crucial role in several major campaigns, including the Overland Campaign and the Siege of Petersburg.

His cavalry forces excelled in reconnaissance, disrupting Confederate supply lines, and engaging in fierce battles.

Sheridan’s most famous campaign was his Shenandoah Valley Campaign in 1864. With aggressive and relentless pursuit, he devastated the agricultural-rich Shenandoah Valley, denying its resources to the Confederacy. This campaign, known for Sheridan’s famous line “The burning that was done was more to make the valley untenable for the raiders than to destroy houses,” significantly weakened Confederate forces in the region.

General Philip H. Sheridan Library of Congress, Civil War Collection

Robert E. Lee - Confederate Major General Robert E. Lee did not make any public statements about the fall of Richmond. Yet, in a letter to Davis dated April 2, 1865, just before the fall of Richmond, Lee wrote, “I need not tell Your Excellency that the present situation is one of great difficulty. The enemy has succeeded in turning our right, and we are now obliged to abandon the city or run the risk of being cut off from our communications.”

Later, after the surrender at Appomattox Court House on April 9, Lee wrote to his troops, “After four years of arduous service, marked by unsurpassed courage and fortitude, the Army of Northern Virginia has been compelled to yield to overwhelming numbers and resources.”

Robert E. Lee Library of Congress, Civil War Collection 4

Key Events Leading to the Surrender of Lee’s Army Fall of Petersburg, March 25, 1865 Five Forks, April 1, 196Fall of Richmond, April 2, 1865 Battle of Appomattox, April 9, 1865 •

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In May 1864, General Ulysses S. Grant launched an offensive against Confederate forces in Virginia, known as the Overland Campaign. He fought a series of bloody battles against General Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia, including the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, and Cold Harbor.

After failing to defeat Lee’s army in open battle, Grant began a Siege of Petersburg, a key railroad hub south of Richmond, in June 1864. Union forces laid siege to the city for several months, with both sides suffering heavy casualties.

In late March 1865, Grant launched a final offensive against Confederate with the aim of capturing Richmond. He sent General Philip Sheridan’s cavalry to cut off Lee’s retreat westward, while Union infantry attacked Confederate positions around Petersburg.

Lee attempted to break through Union lines at Petersburg on April 2, but was repulsed with heavy losses. That same night, he ordered the evacuation of Richmond, which was captured by Union forces the next day.

Lee’s army attempted to retreat westward, hoping to link up with other Confederate units.

However, Union forces pursued them relentlessly, and they were forced to fight a series of battles along the way, including the Battle of Sayler’s Creek on April 6, which resulted in heavy losses for the Confederates.

Finally, on April 9, 1865, Lee’s army was surrounded and forced to surrender at Appomattox Court House, effectively ending the Civil War.

The Fall of Richmond The fall of Richmond, Virginia during the American Civil War was a significant turning point in the conflict.

Richmond was the capital of the Confederacy and a major industrial center, producing arms, munitions, and other supplies for the Confederate army. Its fall marked the beginning of the end for the Confederacy.

In early April 1865, General Ulysses S. Grant’s Union army broke through the Confederate defenses surrounding Petersburg, Virginia, just south of Richmond. Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s army was forced to abandon its defenses and retreat westward, pursued by Grant’s army.

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On April 2, 1865, Union troops under General Godfrey Weitzel entered Richmond, finding the city mostly deserted as Confederate soldiers and officials had fled. Fires broke out in the city, destroying many buildings, including the Confederate War Department and the Richmond Arsenal.

The fall of Richmond dealt a severe blow to the morale of the Confederate army and government.

President Jefferson Davis and his cabinet were forced to flee southward, and Lee’s army was eventually forced to surrender at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865

Ruins of Richmond, April 1865 Library of Congress, Civil War Photographs

Diary Biographies Philip Cheek Jr. (1841 - 1911) • • • •

Private, Company A, 6th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Born: Silverton, Devon, England, United Kingdom Buried: Baraboo, Wisconsin Robert Cheek–brother of Philip Cheek–killed in the Battle of Petersburg

from The History of Sauk County, by H.E. Cole, published in 1918 “Of the citizens of Sauk Co. who became widely known and prominent over the state at large, one of the most notable was Philip Cheek. He had lived in Sauk Co. from early boyhood, went from this county as a soldier in the Civil War, afterwards, rose to prominence in public affairs both in his home county and in one of the responsible offices connected with the state government, attained distinction in official circles in the Grand Army of the Republic, and enjoyed the acquaintance and esteem of many men distinguished in Wisconsin and national life..

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Philip Cheek was an Englishman by birth, born in Devon, May 11 1841.

His parents, Philip & Hannah (Gunningham) Cheek, immigrated to the US in 1852, first settling in New Jersey, later moving to Providence, Rhode Island, and in 1855 coming to Wisconsin. The late Philip Cheek was about 15 years of age when the family arrived in Wisconsin and settled on a farm in Excelsior Township of Sauk County. The parents later removed to Baraboo.

Philip Cheek acquired his education partly in England, in the different communities where his parents resided and had some advantages of school after coming to Wisconsin. He grew up on a farm in the town of Excelsior and was just 20 years of age, lacking one day when he went forth to render all the service he could in the preservation of the Union. It was early in the war and the second call for troops had been made, the President requesting the service of 300,00 men to put down the rebellion.

Mr Cheek enlisted on May 10, 1861, in Company “A” of the Sixth Wisconsin Infantry. From that time forward for more than a year and a half he was in active service, but in December, 1862, was granted an honorable discharge on account of injuries received in the great battle of Antietam on September 17, 1862. He then returned to the old Wisconsin farm, but in the fall of 1863 was appointed assistant provost Marshall of the district, and performed his duties of that office until the close of the war.”

Philip Cheek, Company A, 6th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry image courtesy Wisconsin Veterans Museum

Mair Pointon (1843 - 1921) • • •

Captain, Company A, 6th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Born: Hanley England, United Kingdom Buried: San Gabriel, Los Angeles County, California Mair Pointon was the son of Philip and Ann Joynson Pointon. He served throughout the Civil War in the Iron Brigade as part of the 6th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. He rose to the rank of 1st Lieutenant of Company A. Before enlisting in the Union Army, Mair Pointon was a resident of Baraboo and served as a register of deeds in Sauk County, Wisconsin. He married Maria Moore. He moved to San Gabriel, California, where he died at the age of 78.

Mair Pointon, Company A, 6th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry image courtesy Sauk County Historical Society

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Muster The organization of Company A of the 6th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry is described in the Sauk County Riflemen, pages 1 - 14. It reads as follows: “The President’s Proclamation calling 75, 000 men for three months’ service brough action by our people, Saturday evening of April 19, 1861…On Saturday, April 26, a full number of 77 members was made up and the remaining officers chosen…May 4th the volunteers from Delton and Reedsburg joined the company at Baraboo …May 28 Capt. Malloy received notice that this company had been assigned to the 6th Regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry….We had 108 men…..Lieut. Col. Atwood told the company when drawn up in line for muster, if there were any that were faint hearted or for any other cause did not wish to go forth the three years they could retire. Not a man stirred and the 101 that had been accepted as volunteers were sworn in.”

Major Battles–Company A, 6th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Cedar Mountain, Rappahannock, Gainesville, Groveton and Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Fitz Hugh’s Crossing, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Haymarket, Mine run, Wilderness, Spotsylvania, North Anna, Bethesda Church, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Hatcher’s Run, Gravelly Run, Five Forks

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Roster of Company A, May, 1961 = 108 Roster of Company A, Muster Out, July 14, 1865 = 50, of whom only 14 were from the original company Included in the final roster is 1st Lieutenant Mair Pointon

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“When the company left for Camp Randall, Madison, Wis., there was the largest gathering of people to see them off that had ever been seen in Baraboo up to that time. An estimate made placed the number at about 2,000.

We were escorted by the Baraboo Fire Company which had bright uniforms. Rev. Thomson with his band of singers rendered good music. Cheers were given for the boys. An original poem was read ; the same was published in the Baraboo Republic of June 27, 1861. On behalf of the Sauk County Bible Society, Revs. O E. Weirich and S. P. Kezerta then presented to each member of the company not already supplied, a neat pocket Testament, and the Captain with a handsome red morocco tuck Bible.” (Sauk County Riflemen, Page 14)

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Camp Randal, Madison, Wisconsin, circa 1861 image courtesy Sauk County Historical Society

Diary Selections, March 31, 1965 - April 3, 1865 The Sauk County Riflemen, pages 160 - 170 Grammar and spelling are as the original writing presents.

March 31, 1865 We rested good during the night until towards morning, when it began to rain again. Packed up and prepared for the day’s work, for it was evident that the army was making a general move which would be the beginning of the end. Our forces moved to the left. We fell in and moved to the left, crossing Gravelly Run, and massed in column of regiments, right in front and in the rear of the 3rd Brigade of our division. We then deployed in lines of battle. Company A was in the edge of the woods with a rail fence separating us from a field in our front in which, and about 200 yards from us, were several log buildings.

The formation of our lines was not completed before the enemy attacked us, bursting through gaps in our lines, between our regiment, and the 91st New York which was some thirty rods to our right, also catching the 3rd brigade while getting into position and driving them back in confusion, which exposed the right flank of our brigade and our regiment, especially. The enemy poured into our rear; the right of our regiment fought in front, flank and rear, as also did the left of the regiment when the 9

enemy passed around the 7th Regiment and opened fire lengthwise of our line, in front of Company A. The enemy remained at the buildings until our lines had gone on the right and left of us. They did not like to face our fire, while the enemy appeared on our flanks and was gaining our rear. Lieut. Pointon ordered the company to fall back across the creek, which they did in good order and took position to the right of a battery on the bank of the creek, and again opened fire on the enemy on the other side of the stream.

The 1st Division was in line along the creek and opened fire, our division forming with them. We soon had the enemy retreating. Company A proved that drafted men could fight. Their stand at the fence and the work they did was entitled to great praise and they received it from the Commander of the regiment.

Gen. Warren supervised the formation of new lines. After the formation was completed, we re-crossed the creek and advanced and drove the enemy over one mile beyond our former most advanced position.

During the battle, many prisoners were taken by our troops. Company A suffered severely in the day’s fighting. We lost: Killed, Ignatius Winkler, Frederick Bauer and Frederick Bunzel; wounded, Sergt. C. A. Winsor, Hiram H. Palmer, August Becker, George P. Tilden, Alonzo W. Johnson, Darius H. Barnard and John Stellar.

A sad accident occurred at the battery on our left during the hottest of the fight ; two gunners at the muzzle of the gun, while ramming home a charge, were blown from the gun almost into the creek by a premature discharge. The man thumbing the vent raised his thumb, which act caused the explosion of the charge they were ramming home.

At sundown our Corps (5th) was massed in a large field; we could hear Gen. Sheridan’s cavalry pounding away to our left. We bivouacked for the night, very tired and weary and sad; that sadness which comes from the loss of those dear comrades we had learned to admire and love.

In the official report of the final campaign made by Col. Kellogg, ... among other things, he says: “I beg leave to submit the following list of names of officers and men of my command who have distinguished themselves and to ask for them a suitable recognition of their services. 1st Lieut. Mair Pointon, 6th Wisconsin, proved himself a most reliable officer and held his company well in hand, both by command and example.” ‘ ‘ Sergt. Chauncy Winsor and Isaac Fort of Company A, 6th Wisconsin, especially deserve mention for their successful efforts in keeping the company together and up to the line, while enduring a severe front and flank fire. The former was severely wounded during the advance of his company.”

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Five Forks - April 1, 1865 On Saturday, April 1st, we received orders in the night to pack up and be ready to move. We did so, then we were ordered to lie down again. At about 7A. M., we fell in and moved to the left, forming junction with Sheridan ‘s cavalry. At 9:30 A. M., Sheridan’s cavalry moved to the front and firing began. Our Corps (5th) moved down near the Moody House and Gravelly Run church where we formed lines of battle; our Division in the front line, the 6th and 7th Wisconsin Regiments forming the front line of our brigade, the 6th being on the right. We had advanced about one mile, Company A being in line across an old road, when we heard the tramp of horses in our rear, causing us to look and see what was coming. We discovered what appeared to be Rebel cavalry, about twenty-five in number, coming along the road on a trot. We started to about face and give them a volley when we recognized the leader as being our chief of scouts, and his followers army scouts belonging to our Corps. They were dressed in Rebel uniforms and rode with short stirrups. The chief asked us to open our ranks and let them pass through, which we did ; they rode through the Rebel line of skirmishers and were soon out of sight in the woods. We soon afterwards changed our direction by wheeling to the left, capturing or driving the enemy in our front.

We continued in the new direction for some time, having covered nearly one mile of ground when we again wheeled to the left and came upon the enemy’s works in the rear. The enemy was busy fighting the cavalry in their front; they did not see us or know of our presence until we gave a cheer and charged into their ranks. They jumped over their works and fought us from the other side; the works were in the form of a letter V. We, Company A, struck them on the left side near the angle; in the thickest of the fight, Gen. Warren rode up to the works, jumped his horse over them and led the charge upon the line on the right. The enemy was on our right flank pouring a heavy fire down our line; someone called his attention to the fact and his answer was: “Never mind. Charge them!

Charge them!” The men cheered him and charged across the space in front of the works and were soon in possession of all the works and the enemy, who had fought like demons, using bayonet and musket clubbed, were made prisoners. At dark, we were the victors at the battle of Five Forks, gaining the honor of capturing Pickett’s Division. The troops that made the “Grand charge” at Gettysburg. Soon after the battle, Gregg’s Division of cavalry captured the South Side railroad, cutting the communication from Petersburg to the south. The several commands of our troops were; moved to the right and left of the Rebel works and reformed; men of each regiment gotten together and in shape to meet the enemy, they having gotten mixed up while fighting in the works. Our brigade was massed in column by regiments and bivouacked for the night. We heard heavy firing in front of Petersburg. Company A lost today : Manford Bump, John O Piron, Christian Festerling and Benjamin Edminster, all slightly wounded.

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Sunday, April 2, 1865 The firing in front of Petersburg continued all last night. We learned that Gen. Warren had been relieved from command of the 5th Corps, because he did not immediately after the fight—without stopping to reorganize the different commands that did the fighting—move on toward the South Side railroad. We felt that a great injustice had been done him, as his troops were not in shape to meet an organized force of the enemy. Gen. Sheridan passed along the road; the men gave him three cheers as he passed along our lines. Although we felt that he was in the wrong as to Warren, we admired him as a soldier. In the afternoon we received the news of the evacuation and capture of Petersburg.

Burkeville Road, April 2, 1965 Our fight yesterday opened the back door. We moved to the South Side railroad, reaching it in the afternoon at a point about fifteen miles from Petersburg. We continued in the direction of Petersburg until we came to the Burkeville road, where we halted about sundown and attempted to make coffee, but before we got it made we moved onto the Burkeville road after the enemy, who had turned into that road in their retreat from Petersburg., their rear less than one hour previous to our arrival.

Our brigade was in front; we overtook their rear after dark. Our cavalry had struck them in the flank causing them to halt and form lines parallel with the road with their left flank thrown back to the north of the road and facing east., struck that flank. We formed lines with the 7th Wisconsin as skirmishers; the 6th Wisconsin as first line of battle and the 91st N.Y. in the rear, while the 7th Wisconsin was deploying as skirmishers by the right flank. Sergt. Bert o’Connor was on the right of the line. When he struck the brush on the right of the deploying line , some one challenged him with, “Who goes there?” Bert answered, “Friends.” Then he was asked, “Who be you alls, be you Pickett’s men?” Bert answered, “Yes.” He was then requested to step into a clear spot for examination by the “Johnny”. Bert and the Rebel picket both stepped into the open space just as the moon broke from under a cloud, making it light enough to disclose the colors of Bert’s uniform. The “Johnny exclaimed “You all’s Yanks!” At that, a Rebel picket fired at Bert, but missed him; the next man in our line fired at the “Johnny” and hit him in the hand which spun him around and when he started to run, he banged into Captain Ole Grasley, who snapped him on the shoulder and said, “Come in out of the wet!” The “Johnny” replied, “This is a damned Yankee trick!”

Col. Richardson commanded Bert to continue the deployment, which he started again to do, but did not get far before he was halted again and the same questions were being asked as before. We were deploying along the enemy’s picket line. Col. Richardson said, “Bert, tell him who we are.” Bert did so and before he had finished telling him there burst from the Rebel lines in front and to our right, a sheet of flame filled with bullets. The 7th returned the fire; we lay down. The 91st opened fire, firing through the 6th and 7th, who were between them and the enemy. Stretcher-bearer Thomas Anderson of Company A used his stretcher as a club and knocked down a dozen or more of 12

the 91st in his endeavors to make them cease firing on our men in front of them. The firing in front ceased, seemingly by mutual consent, and we bivouacked on the field and went without supper.

On the morning of April 3rd daylight disclosed the fact that the enemy had folded his blanket and silently stolen away. At about 10 A.M. we fell in and marched to the Appomattox river and rested. .. In the afternoon, we crossed the river; the road we passed over was strewn with timbers and ammunition chests, broken wagons and the things thrown away by the retreating enemy.

They were in full retreat and trying to escape capture. At dark we bivouacked for the night.

We got up at daylight on the 4th but did not have time to make breakfast before starting out.

Many of the enemy’s stragglers lay alongside of the road; one fellow predicted the war would be over in six weeks. He was a good prophet—he must have been posted as to the condition of Lee’s Army. We thought it wouldn’t last that long, judging by the way our cavalry was knocking them and the number of stragglers that could be seen going home from his army. Every one felt that the end was near at hand. Someone would remark, “See the squad of ‘Johnnies,’ we ought to pick them up! ‘’Some one else would reply, ‘ ‘ Let them alone, they are going home ; the war has ended for them! ‘ ‘ and they would be allowed to go. At noon, we halted and cooked dinner; we were very hungry as we had had no breakfast. After dinner, we marched to the Danville railroad and formed in line of battle near Wiona Station and built light works; as we expected an attack we remained there all night.

At daylight of the 5th, got up and completed our works. The Commissary Department got supplies to us. Rations Avere issued; as we had none, they came just in time. In the afternoon, our cavalry brought in 1,000 prisoners and all the horses and mules belonging to one and one-half miles of captured wagon trains, also five pieces of artillery; the wagons they had burned. Our cavalry did great work; the enemy never knowing when or where they would strike them. In the night the 2nd Corps came up, adding to our forces following the retreating enemy. At seven A. M. of the 6th, we packed up and moved out on the road to Amelia C. H. ; the 2nd Corps taking a parallel road on our left. We advanced about three miles when the 2nd Corps found “them” and immediately became engaged.

We continued to advance, which caused the enemy to retreat to keep us from getting in their rear; the artillery firing was heavy all morning and some musketry firing. At noon, we passed the Rebel wagon train that our cavalry burned. At 3 o’clock P. M. we passed through Deatonsville ; the enemy passed through at 1 o’clock, “on the run,” .... We picked up a great many prisoners, many Rebels coming to us and giving up the Confederacy.

We marched until 11 P. M. and bivouacked for the night, very tired from the hard march. Sturdevant and Schoephoerster were the only ones that fell out on the march.

At sunrise on the 7th we broke camp and marched across country—no roads—to the road the 2nd Corps was on, where we learned that yesterday, Wright of the 2nd Corps and Sheridan’s Cavalry 13

captured 13,000 prisoners, 17 pieces of artillery and 500 wagons. We marched to the north branch of the Appomattox river, where we found the 2nd Corps crossing. The enemy had been captured or driven from their positions. We moved up the river and crossed above the High Bridge, then marched to Prince Edwards C. H. and camped.

At 5 o ‘clock A. M. of the 8th, we packed up and made breakfast. At 7 A. M. we moved out on the Lynchburg road. Our brigade in the rear of our corps. We reached Prospect church, and halted and got dinner. At 8 P. M., we passed Walker’s church. Our march was made through the woods and fields, making very slow and hard marching. At 1 o’clock of the morning of the 9th, we halted, made supper and bivouacked for the night.

Letter of Mair Pointon to his brother, dated April 24, 1865 From the archives of the Sauk County Historical Society Grammar and spelling are as the original writing presents.

The first day of April was a glorious day for the union for in my opinion the gates to Richmond and Petersburg were opened our corps moved at 7:00 a.m. to the left and joined Sheridan. His Calvary was skirmishing with the Rebs and he them in their “works,” Our course formed on the right of the calvary in advanced. We did not go far before skirmishing commenced. The lines of battle soon overtook the skirmishes and the “Johnnies” began to “git.” We had passed by the Left Flank of the rebels works and went beyond the line, change direction to the left and advanced with their left flank resting on their works and it right angles to their works. We advance some 2 miles when we again charged to the left which soon brought us into the rebel works. There was not room for both on the same side, so they got over and took the outside, but was politely asked to get back to the Union side of the works which they did while they carefully to leave their Enfields on that side. Just to the right of where we struck the rebel works they formed an angle of defense . The Reps still held to the right angle and a few were at our flank sending their leaden messengers the whole length of our lines. “Charge the rest of the line,” was the order and over the works we went.

We had come to cross an open field before reaching the works that they held, and the fire was so severe the line wavered and halted and part of it fell back. General Warren took his headquarters flag, and leaping his horse over the works led the charge. While charging the rebs were soon flanking us and an officer called General Warren’s attention to this fact and his reply was, “Charge them! Charge them!”

This we did capturing the works and most of the enemy. They fought like demons after we were in the works using the bayonet and clubbed muskets. Our captures were some 6,000 prisoners, seven pieces of artillery and their wagon train. We did all the work and Sheridan got all the praise. Our losses were light in proportion to the enemy’s losses. Company A lost four wounded, all slightly. Most of the fighting was done after sundown making it hard to distinguish the enemy while fighting 14

hand-to-hand. After the fighting was over our corps was reinforced and moved to the extreme left side of the rebel works, and lay down for the night, firing all night in front of Petersburg. We heard that General Warren was released soon after the fight, and that General Griffin was in command of the corps. We all hope this was not so for we loved him because we have confidence in his ability to command. If you want to find Warren during an engagement, go to where the fight rages hottest and you will find him there.

April 2nd in the morning we packed up and moved some 3 miles in the direction of petersburg.

We halted and rested about 1 hour then moved back to the works and took a country road to the South Side railroad reaching a little past noon. March down the R. R. until 4:00 p.m. in the direction of Petersburg. Then moved to the left and marched through fields in an old road. Just at sundown we reach the road to Burkesville massing our division near the road with our brigade in the first line and across the road Company A was in the road with orders to build fires and make coffee. The fires were nicely burning when orders came to fall in and pursue the rebs for they had come along the road not more than 15 minutes before we struck it and now calvary were now after them on another road and expected it to cut them off. We fell in and started out after them. The cavalry had found them and was showing their rear guard. We marched some 4 or 5 miles when the column was halted very suddenly and a brigade formed in line of battle on the right side of the road. The 6th and 7th Wisconsin and the first line in the 91st New York and heavy artillery in the second line. In two and a half hours part of the 7th men were on the skirmish line. The lines were formed partly in the field and part in the woods with the right of the regiment in the woods and the left of it and the 7th Wisconsin in the field.

While the skirmish lines were deploying in the woods they were halted and challenged. We could hear the rebs very plainly when they asked, “who comes there?” And we knew it was a rebel by his language the 7th boys told their friend and asked him who he was?” Johnny tell me who you are? He replied, “I believe you are … one of Sheridan’s raiders. I believe you are a Yank.” Our side replied, “Tell me Johnny without fooling who you are? I am one of heathsman are you one of Picket’s men?” Come and meet me if you are, for I am alone. While those two men were talking, or the members of the 7th got behind him and ordered him to surrender. He snapped his revolver and started to run when 3 of the 7th fired at him wounding him in the hand. He ran into the right of the skirmish line and was captured…

The skirmish line was ordered to advance and they did not go far before being halted again, and when they asked who comes there, the 7th boys told them Badgers of the First Brigade, 3rd Division, Fifth Army Corps. Then they fired on us. The troops to the rear through some misunderstanding commenced firing thereby placing us between the two lines of fire, one from our own men being the most severe.

We were compelled to fall back and seek shelter from our own men. Company A lost two slightly wounded. We rested on our arms that night. I slept up against a tree stump.

Morning of April 3rd the rebels gone our Calvary after them. At 10:00 a.m. we followed our artillery firing at the front and the calvary pressing their rear guard all day long. The roads were strewn with charred remains of wagons, caissons, limbers, and ambulances and ammunition 15

was thrown away all along the road. From the 3rd to the 9th of April we followed them so closely that we captured artillery and wagons in great numbers. Sunrise on the morning of the night we commenced our march, 1st and 2nd divisions in the advance. When within 3 miles of Appomattox Court House the enemy attacked our calvary and was driving them back. The 1st and 2nd division then formed in line of battle [our division 3rd on the reserve] and as soon as the rebels saw that they broke and ran leaving their artillery. But what is the trouble at the front, the firing has all stopped and it is very quiet for a few moments? The sergeant rode by us, and to the 100 questions asked him, he announced that Lee and the entire Army have surrendered and is just beyond the Court House.

Our boys then began to cheer and it went all along the lines, this eruption of sheer joy. The bandsmen were soon at the front and played the “Star-Spangled Banner” for their special benefit. We went into camp and got some badly needed rest and a few rations which we all needed so much. It took until the 13th of April to parole all the rebs and get the captured artillery and wagons off the field. The Army was in fine spirits and very jubilant for we had destroyed an army of 65,000 veterans in the short space of 12 days.

On the 14th of April we started for Burkesville arriving there on the 17th and from there we came here.

From your affectionate brother Mair Pointon, 6th Wis. Regt. Vols.

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Video Critical Thinking Questions 1. Philip Cheek writes of a sense of good-will between the Union and Confederate soldiers at the time of surrender. Given all of the property destruction and war death that occurred over the almost 5 years of fighting between the Union and Confederate armies, why do you think this occurred? Is it what you would have anticipated happening? Why or why not?

2. There is a long-time myth that General Lee surrendered his sword to General Grant, who refused to accept it. What would be the significance of Lee surrendering his sword to Grant?

How do you think the story began? Why do you think such misinformation remained as part of the Appomattox surrender story for decades until dispelled by historians?

3. The surrender of Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia was the beginning of the end for the Confederacy. Yet, it was not the end of the story of the Civil War. The impact of the war would be enduring. Given the Emancipation Proclamation and the destruction caused by war, what changes did Confederate soldiers returning home confront? What might have been their reaction to the social, economic, and political changes that befell the former Confederacy?

4. Look closely at the two Harper Weekly drawings of Richmond as the Union Army marches into the city. What do you notice about the crowd? What story does this tell? What information is the artist attempting to convey? See markers 4:59 to 5:15 in the video.

Primary Source Documents Inquiry What would you like to know more about? Write three questions that come to mind as you think about the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia and its aftermath? Choose one question to answer. What resources will you use to explore your question? How will you present your question and answer to others?

1. How does Mair Pointon’s letter to his brother provide additional insight into the soldier’s experience? What insights did you gain from reading the letter?

2. What moments in the read of the diary entries and Mair Pointon’s letter to his brother were expecially interesting or impactful for your understanding of the soldier’s experience in the Civil War? 3. How do these primary source readings deepen your knowledge of the Civil War?

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Significant Documents The Militia Act of 1862 CHAP. CCI.–An Act to amend the Act calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections, and repel Invasions, approved February twenty-eight, seventeen hundred and ninety-five, and the Acts amendatory thereof, and for other Purposes. . . . .SEC. 12. And be it further enacted, That the President be, and he is hereby, authorized to receive into the service of the United States, for the purpose of constructing intrenchments, or performing camp service or any other labor, or any military or naval service for which they may be found competent, persons of African descent, and such persons shall be enrolled and organized under such regulations, not inconsistent with the Constitution and laws, as the President may prescribe.

SEC. 13. And be it further enacted, That when any man or boy of African descent, who by the laws of any State shall owe service or labor to any person who, during the present rebellion, has levied war or has borne arms against the United States, or adhered to their enemies by giving them aid and comfort, shall render any such service as is provided for in this act, he, his mother and his wife and children, shall forever thereafter be free, any law, usage, or custom whatsoever to the contrary notwithstanding: Provided, That the mother, wife and children of such man or boy of African descent shall not be made free by the operation of this act except where such mother, wife or children owe service or labor to some person who, during the present rebellion, has borne arms against the United States or adhered to their enemies by giving them aid and comfort.

SEC. 14. And be it further enacted, That the expenses incurred to carry this act into effect shall be paid out of the general appropriation for the army and volunteers.

SEC. 15. And be it further enacted,That all persons who have been or shall be hereafter enrolled in the service of the United States under this act shall receive the pay and rations now allowed by law to soldiers, according to their respective grades: Provided, That persons of African descent, who under this law shall be employed, shall receive ten dollars per month and one ration, three dollars of which monthly pay may be in clothing.

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Emancipation Proclamation January 1, 1863 A Transcription: Emancipation Proclamation By the President of the United States of America: A Proclamation.

Whereas, on the twenty-second day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two, a proclamation was issued by the President of the United States, containing, among other things, the following, to wit: “That on the first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, all persons held as slaves within any State or designated part of a State, the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free; and the Executive Government of the United States, including the military and naval authority thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of such persons, and will do no act or acts to repress such persons, or any of them, in any efforts they may make for their actual freedom.

“That the Executive will, on the first day of January aforesaid, by proclamation, designate the States and parts of States, if any, in which the people thereof, respectively, shall then be in rebellion against the United States; and the fact that any State, or the people thereof, shall on that day be, in good faith, represented in the Congress of the United States by members chosen thereto at elections wherein a majority of the qualified voters of such State shall have participated, shall, in the absence of strong countervailing testimony, be deemed conclusive evidence that such State, and the people thereof, are not then in rebellion against the United States.”

Now, therefore I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, by virtue of the power in me vested as Commander-in-Chief, of the Army and Navy of the United States in time of actual armed rebellion against the authority and government of the United States, and as a fit and necessary war measure for suppressing said rebellion, do, on this first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and in accordance with my purpose so to do publicly proclaimed for the full period of one hundred days, from the day first above mentioned, order and designate as the States and parts of States wherein the people thereof respectively, are this day in rebellion against the United States, the following, to wit: Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, (except the Parishes of St. Bernard, Plaquemines, Jefferson, St. John, St. Charles, St. James Ascension, Assumption, Terrebonne, Lafourche, St. Mary, St. Martin, and Orleans, including the City of New Orleans) Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, 19

North Carolina, and Virginia, (except the forty-eight counties designated as West Virginia, and also the counties of Berkley, Accomac, Northampton, Elizabeth City, York, Princess Ann, and Norfolk, including the cities of Norfolk and Portsmouth[)], and which excepted parts, are for the present, left precisely as if this proclamation were not issued.

And by virtue of the power, and for the purpose aforesaid, I do order and declare that all persons held as slaves within said designated States, and parts of States, are, and henceforward shall be free; and that the Executive government of the United States, including the military and naval authorities thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of said persons.

And I hereby enjoin upon the people so declared to be free to abstain from all violence, unless in necessary self-defence; and I recommend to them that, in all cases when allowed, they labor faithfully for reasonable wages.

And I further declare and make known, that such persons of suitable condition, will be received into the armed service of the United States to garrison forts, positions, stations, and other places, and to man vessels of all sorts in said service.

And upon this act, sincerely believed to be an act of justice, warranted by the Constitution, upon military necessity, I invoke the considerate judgment of mankind, and the gracious favor of Almighty God. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the City of Washington, this first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the eighty-seventh.

By the President: ABRAHAM LINCOLN WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State.

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Scholars’ Perspectives In Why the Confederacy Lost, edited by Gabor S. Boritt (Oxford University Press, 1992) several historians present their views on why the war turned toward a Union victory in 1865. Among their positions are: 1. The North developed superior leadership [Generals Grant, Sherman, and Sheridan] which became the main factor in the ultimate Union victory. (James M. McPherson, pg. 35) 2. By 1865, while the Union army remained intact, many Confederate soldiers began to question the possibility of winning the war, with some deserting, thus weakening the war effort. (Reid Mitchell, pg. 123) 3. Grant and Sherman pressed forward in 1864 even as Northern support lagged, energizing Union troops at a critical point in the war. (Gary W. Gallagher, pg. 96) 4. Grant pressed forward with a war strategy rather than a campaign strategy, thus his war tactics were resilient even with battle losses. (Gary W. Gallagher, pg. 96) 5. The Union displayed superior management of military supplies and equipment. (James M. McPherson, pg. 36) 6. As the Union Army destroyed all in its path, Southerners were confronted with famine, loss of home, and illness. (Reid Mitchell, pg 126)

Essay Suggestions 1. Choose one of the positions historians have taken on why the Confederacy lost the Civil War. Research the position. Write an essay supporting or disputing the historian’s position.

2. Research the dynamics of Confederate soldiers returning home. How did the Union victory impact the social, economic, and / or political landscape in the South? Write an essay focused on one or more changes experienced by Confederate soldiers as they returned home?

3. Along with serving in hospitals, sewing uniforms, knitting socks, and sending food items to soldiers throughout the time of the Civil War, women also served as spies. These included Harriet Tubman, Belle Boyd, Elizabeth Van Lew, and Mary Elizabeth Bowser. Learn more about the role women played in the pivotal role of intelligence gathering during the Civil War. Write an essay on the role of one or more women who served as spies in the Civil War. 4. Choose a topic of interest. Research the topic. Write an essay explaining what you learned and why the information is important to know in order to better understand the dynamics and aftermath of the Civil War.

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Project-based Learning Work with a team of 3 to 5 classmates to research a topic of your choice. Determine how the topic will be studied and presented. Who will manage the research? Who will design the presentation?

Who will manage the research timeline and plan the presentation? Who will write the script for a media presentation or develop a paper to present? How will the presentation be evaluated?

Begin by listing five ideas for research. As a team, determine which topic would be the most interesting to research and present. Then determine a timeline for your research and presentation. Be sure to meet as a team at particular times to share your progress and determine how best to present what you’ve discovered through your research.

Resources The Sauk County Historical Society Civil War Collection https://saukcountyhistory.org/voices-of-the-civil-war Wisconsin Historical Society https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/ Wisconsin Veterans Museum https://wisvetsmuseum.com/ Library of Congress Civil War Collection https://www.loc.gov/search/?in=&q=civil+war+collection&new=true Appomattox Court House National Historical Park https://www.nps.gov/apco/index.htm

Questions?

For information about the Voices of the Civil War series, please email education@saukcountyhistory.org.

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