Transcript:
U. S. Military Telegraph.
Apl. 11th 1865
By Telegraph from Burke Station 1865
To Maj. Gen. Gibbon Appomattox, Va.
Owing to the excessive state of the roads I think you had better load your supplies so far as possible on the Captured Trains and move them up by rail as you progress. Returning the same means of transportation might be used. I expect you will find the captured trains too weak to bring back all the artillery, arms, etc. If so destroy the caissons and such small arms as can not be moved. Leave wagons for the country people to pick up and double team so as to send back the artillery and as many of the wagons as you can loaded with small arms.
U. S. Grant
Lt. Gen.
Citation: Ulysses S. Grant (1822-1885), autograph telegram signed to John Gibbon. Burke Station, Va.; 11 April 1865. AMs358/11