Final answer:
Lee wanted to link up with General Johnston in North Carolina to strengthen the Confederate forces and continue fighting against the Union in the American Civil War.
Step-by-step explanation:
Lee wanted to link up with General Johnston in North Carolina to strengthen the Confederate forces and continue the fight against Union forces in the American Civil War. After the Confederate defeat in Richmond, Lee saw an opportunity to join forces with Johnston and potentially stop Sherman's destructive advance through the South.
However, by the time Lee evacuated Richmond, he was no longer willing to subject his men to further hardship, and the Confederate army clashed with Grant's forces before surrendering at Appomattox Court House. Thus, General Robert E. Lee aimed to unite with General Joseph E. Johnston in North Carolina during the American Civil War, seeking to consolidate Confederate forces against Union armies.