When United States forces took possession of Richmond, Virginia, on April 3, 1865, soldiers vied for the honor of raising the first flag over the liberated city. Young Johnston de Peyster, a member of a prominent New York military family. was more than prepared for the event. Serving in the Army of the James, de Peyster had secured possession of the national colors that had once flown over New Orleans when it was under the command of George F. Shepley. Shepley had given the flag to de Peyster, who was ready to raise it once more, this time over the capital of the Confederacy, with the capitol building as his target.
Day: April 3, 2015
A Happy Ulysses S. Grant
No one–not even Abraham Lincoln–could have been happier with the events of April 2 and 3, 1865 than Ulysses S. Grant. Characteristically, however, he did little to show it. But excepts from two letters offer a hint as to his inner joy and his pride in the men under his command (and make no mistake about it–these armies were now his).
Crossroads 