A FLAG OF TRUCE-THE GREAT PARADE.



enemy has dared to open upon you. The near approach of peace
renders it improbable that you will again be called upon to un-
dergo the fatigues of the toilsome march, or the exposure of the
battle-field; but should the assistance of keen blades wielded by
your sturdy arms be required to hasten the coming of that
glorious peace for which we have been so long contending, the
General Commanding is firmly confident that, in the future as in
the past, every demand will meet a hearty and willing response.
  Let us hope that our work is done, and that blessed with the
comforts of peace, we may be permitted to enjoy the pleasures
of home and friends. For our comrades who have fallen, let us
ever cherish a grateful remembrance. To the wounded and to
those who languish in Southern prisons, let our heartfelt sym-
pathy be tendered.
  And now, speaking for myself alone, when the war is ended
and the task of the historian begins; when those deeds of daring
which have rendered the name and fame of the Third Cavalry
Division imperishable are inscribed upon the bright pages of
our country's history, I only ask that my name may be written as
that Qf the Commander of the Third Cavalry Division.
  Lee's flag of truce at Appomattox-a white towel
-and also the table on which Grant and Lee signed
the capitulation agreement, were presented to Mrs.
Custer by Gen. Sheridan, and are now in her posses-
sion. In a letter accompanying them Sheridan wrote,
that he "knew    of no person more instrumental in
bringing about this most desired event than her own
most gallant husband."
  In the great parade of the Army of the Potomac at,
Washington in May 1865, Sheridan's cavalry were at
at the head of the column; and the Third Division,
first in peace as it had been first in war, led the ad->
vance.  Custer, now a Major-General of volunteers, at
the age of- 26 years, rode proudly at the head of his
troopers, a prominent figure in the stirring pageant,
and the observed of all beholders. He had put off
for the occasion his careless dashing style of dress,



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