CHAPTER XLI.

BATTLE OF FIVE FORKS.

Various Affairs of the Closing Campaign--The Massing of Grant's Forces--Sortie against Fort Steadman--Captured but quickly retaken--General Grant's Move around the Confederate Right-- General Lee anticipates with Aggressive Work--Sheridan makes Battle with his Whole Force at Five Forks--Desperate Situation of the Confederates--Disparity of Numbers--Splendid Stand and Battle of Generals Pickett and Ransom--Colonel Pegram mortally wounded--W. H. F. Lee, the "Noble Son of a Noble Sire"--Corse's Division--Pickett's Generalship--Casualties 590