Rev. L.W. Allen sought, and received, an interview with General Lee to receive his commission as Captain of the cavalry of Co. F, the 24th Regiment, 40th Battalion. He enlisted six says before his sixtieth birthday. Exactly one month later, he was captured at Gloucester Point on May 20, 1863. He spent more than a year as a prisoner of war at Johnson's Island, and was exchanged April 27, 1864. He went back to his post as Captain immediately. He led his men again at Appomattox, and was present at the surrender of General Lee to General Grant.