History of War Summary - 1-2 The End of the Civil War - Lee's Army Cornered at Appomattox

After leaving Richmond, Lee's Army of Northern Virginia moved southwest, attempting to link up with Joseph E. Johnston's army in North Carolina. However, the Union army, led by Grant, relentlessly pursued the Confederates' retreat. The South was short on food and ammunition, and the soldiers were extremely fatigued. On April 6th, the Confederate army suffered a major blow at the Battle of Sayler's Creek, with many soldiers captured. Lee reorganized his forces and moved west, but the Union pursuit continued. Their objective was Lynchburg, but as Union cavalry and infantry blocked the main roads, the Confederates' options dwindled. On April 8th, the supply train the Confederates had hoped to secure at Appomattox Station was captured by Union cavalry. Lee realized that breaking through to the north or west was no longer feasible.