On october 7th the reports back to richmond and rights to le suggesting he is ready to come back, but at least with the army of Northern Virginia, lee wanted a more vigorous person to take charge. He never recovered the use of his right arm. At this point because of the bullet exiting through his throat he cannot speak. Lee is having none of that. On october 17, he orders long streak to return and resume command of the first core of the army of virginia. North of the james river. Lee is going to take charge of the defenses around petersburg itself. By march 29th, the siege petersburg has been going on since june 18 of 1864. At this point it runs 37 miles. His last the outside railroad is going to be controlled by Confederate Forces at five forks. April 1st of 1865, union troops were captured at five forks to the south. At that point, lee has no option but to evacuate richmond in petersburg. Longstreet leaves petersburg about 7 00 that night. Within two hours, he has his first troops fr