After successfully crossing the Appomattox River at nearby High Bridge, Major General Andrew A. Humphreys’ II Corps attacked Confederate forces under Major General William Mahone that were entrenched on the high ground around Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Protecting Lee’s flank and wagons, Mahone held off two Union assaults until darkness allowed him to withdraw from the battlefield. Near the church, Mahone’s headquarters, Lee received the first message from Grant suggesting the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia. The army continued its march west, finally surrendering on 9 April at Appomattox Court House.
