Early on April 9, the remnants of John Broun
Gordon's corps and Fitzhugh Lee's cavalry formed line of battle at
Appomattox Court House. Gen. Robert E. Lee determined to make one last
attempt to escape the closing Union pincers and reach his supplies at
Lynchburg. At dawn the Confederates advanced, initially gaining ground
against Sheridan's cavalry. The arrival of Union infantry, however,
stopped the advance in its tracks. Lee's army was now surrounded on
three sides. Lee surrendered to Grant on April 9. This was the final
engagement of the war in Virginia.