In April 1865, General Lee's Army of Northern Virginia escaped from the cities of Petersburg and . Lee wanted to reinforce his army at . Union forces followed Lee for an 88-mile stretch along the River in Virginia. At first, the Confederates successfully fought off a led by General Sheridan. However, the Union infantry quickly arrived to intercept them again. On April 9, Lee's army was surrounded on all sides by Union troops. Seeing that escape was no longer possible, Lee decided to surrender.