That a
regiment of black soldiers assisted in this work of mercy must
have seemed to the white inhabitants of Richmond the final drop
in their cup of misery.
Into the rebel capital, thus stricken and laid waste, came
President Lincoln on the morning of April 4. Never in the history
of the world has the head of a mighty nation and the conqueror of
a great rebellion entered the captured chief city of the
insurgents in such humbleness and simplicity. He had gone two
weeks before to City Point for a visit to General Grant, and to
his son, Captain Robert Lincoln, who was serving on Grant's
staff. Making his home on the steamer that brought him, and
enjoying what was probably the most restful and satisfactory
holiday in which he had been able to indulge during his whole
presidential service, he had visited the various camps of the
great army, in company with the General, cheered everywhere by
the loving greetings of the soldiers. He had met Sherman when
that commander hurried up fresh from his victorious march from
Atlanta; and after Grant had started on his final pursuit of Lee
the President still lingered. It was at City Point that the news
came to him of the fall of Richmond.
Between the receipt of this news and the following forenoon,
before any information of the great fire had reached them, a
visit to the rebel capital was arranged for the President and
Rear Admiral Porter.
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