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On April 1,1865, General Sheridan attacked on the extreme right of the Southern lines at Five Forks and although offering stubborn resistance, the 49th was overwhelmed by superior numbers being attacked on three sides. A new attempt to form a line in the rear, led by the gallant Captain Henry Chambers, collapsed before the withering fire of the enemy. Most of the 49th were captured at this battle.
General Robert E. Lee ordered a retreat on the 9th of April 1865 and what was left of the 49th
NCT was surrendered at Appomattox Court House. The ranking officer present and in immediate command of the unit on the march to Appomattox was Major C. Q. Petty from Gaston County. On April 9th, 11 officers and 23 ncos and privates surrendered according to the diary of Captain Henry A. Chambers, Commanding Company C. However, the records tell us that by April 12, 1865, 106 officers and ncos and privates eventually registered on the parole records at Appomattox. (Great-great-grandfather of Marie Gilliland Wheat).
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