This Currier and Ives lithograph depicts the burning and evacuation of the Confederate Capital. After the Confederate defeat at Five Forks, General Lee informed Confederate President Jefferson Davis that the Union would be moving against Richmond soon. Much of the city's white population led the city, but before withdrawing, the Confederate army set fire to warehouses along the riverfront to keep their contents out of Union hands. On April 4th, President Lincoln entered the city triumphant. Ten days later Lee rode into the city on "Traveller", in defeat, on his way home.
Thank you Dianna for this awesome historical card!
Sent: 21 February 2013
