On Sunday, April 2, 1865, General Robert E. Lee,
his army no longer able to hold the Petersburg lines,
telegraphed President Jefferson Davis in nearby
Richmond that his army would have to abandon its
position. This spelled doom for the Confederacy.
Lee would surrender to Grant the very next Sunday.
Meanwhile, Davis ordered the government to evacuate
Richmond that day, as reflected in this concisely
written order of the General Post Office Department.
Richmond, VA. April 2, 1865
Mr C. G. Addison
You are hereby ordered to accompany
the books, records &c of this office to Charlotte
N. C. and remain there until further orders.
Anson Morse
Acting Auditor
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