This preface is necessary to an intelligent comprehension of Lee’s movements on the unfortunate 2d of April when his lines were broken.  This occurrence took place, as we have said, about sunrise, and, an hour or two afterward, the Federal forces pressed forward all along the line, surging toward the suburbs of Petersburg.  We have mentioned the position of General Lee’s headquarters, about a mile and a half west of the city, on the Cox Road, nearly opposite the tall Federal observatory.  Standing on the lawn, in front of his headquarters, General Lee now saw, approaching rapidly, a heavy column of Federal infantry, with the obvious design of charging a battery which had opened fire upon them from a hill to the right.  The spectacle was picturesque and striking.  Across the extensive fields houses set on fire by shell were sending aloft huge clouds of smoke and tongues of flame; at every instant was seen the quick glare of the Federal artillery, firing from every knoll, and in front came on the charging column, moving at a double quick, with burnished gun-barrels and bayonets flashing in the April sunshine.

General Lee watched with attention, but with perfect composure, this determined advance of the enemy; and, although he must have realized that his army was on the verge of destruction, it was impossible to discern in his features any evidences of emotion.  He was in full uniform, and had buckled on his dress-sword, which he seldom wore—­having, on this morning declared, it is said, that if he were compelled to surrender he would do so in full harness.  Of his calmness at this trying moment the writer is able to bear his personal testimony.  Chancing to hear a question addressed to a member of his staff, General Lee turned with great courtesy, raised his gray hat in response to the writer’s salute, and gave him the desired information in a voice entirely measured and composed.  It was impossible to regard a calmness so striking without strong sentiments of admiration, and Lee’s appearance and bearing at this moment will always remain vividly impressed upon the writer’s memory.

The Federal column was soon in dangerous proximity to the battery on the hill, and it was obliged to retire at a gallop to escape capture.  An attempt was made to hold the ground near the headquarters, but a close musketry-fire from the enemy rendered this also impossible—­the artillery was withdrawn—­and General Lee, mounting his iron-gray, slowly rode back, accompanied by a number of officers, toward his inner line.  He still remained entirely composed, and only said to one of his staff, in his habitual tone:  “This is a bad business, colonel.”

“Well, colonel,” he said afterward to another officer, “it has happened as I told them it would at Richmond.  The line has been stretched until it has broken.”