The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1865-05-04
The Agreement Between Sher.
man and Johnston.

L
some time of correspondence between Gen.
erals Johnston AMI Sherman, the memoran.
DUN or basis of what was agreed upon, and
the result, are as follows:
"Memnrandum. or basis, Of agreement, made
this 18th day of April, A. D. 1866. near
Durham's station. in the State Of North
Carolina, by and between General Joseph
Z. Johnston, commanding Confederate ar
my. and Major General w. T. Sherman,
commanding army Of the United States
in North Ca'olina present.
"First, The contending armies now in
the ield to maintain their statu quo until
notice is given by the commanding General
of either one to its opponent, and reasona.
BILE time, say forty eight hours, allowed.
Second, The Confederate armies now in
existence to be disbanded and conducted to
their several State capitals, there to deposit
their arms and public property in the State
arsenals. and each officer and man to exc.
cute and file an agreement to cease from
acts of war, and abide Ly the action of both
the State end Federal authority. The num-
Der Of arms and munitions of war to be re.
ported to the Chief of Ordnance at Wash.
ington City, subject to the future action Of
the Congress of the United States, and, in
the meantime, to be used solely to maintain
peace and order within the borders of the
States respectively.
Third, The recognition by the Executive
Of the United States of the several State
Gov ernments, on their officer. and Legisla.
lures taking the cath prescribed by the Con
st tuition of the United States; and, where
the conflicting State Governments have re-
suited from the war. the Legitimacy Of all
s''aH be submitted to the Supreme Court of
the United States
Fourth, The ere-establishment Of all Fed
eral Courts in the several States, with pow
ers asdefined by the Constitution and laws
of Congress.
Fifth, The people and inhabitants OF all
the States to be guaranteed, so far as the
Executive can. their political rights and
franchises. As well as their rights Of person
and property. as defined by the Constitu,
ton Of the United States.
".Sirth. The Executive authority Of the
Government Of the United States not TO dis
turb any Of the people by reason Of the late
war, so long as they live in peace and quiet.
abstain from acts Of armed hostilities, and
obey the laws in existence at any place Of
their residence.
".Secenth. In general terms, the war to
cease, and a general amnesty, SO far as the
Executive power of the United States can
command one. on condition ef the disband-
iinent Of the Confederate armies, the distri
button .sf arms, and The resumption of
peaceful pursuits by the officers and men
hitherto composing the said armies.
"Not being fully empowered by our re.
spective principals to fulfll these terms, we
individually and officially pledge ourselves
to promptly obtain the neces sary authority
to carry out the above programme.
~W. T. SHERMAN,
Commanding army Of the United States in
North Carolina.
81. R. JOHNSTON,
"4Gcncral commanding Confederate States
army in North Carolina"
WHY THE ARRANGEMENT WAS DIsAPPRovED.
Washington, April %.
The proceedings of General Sherman was
usapproved for the following among other
reasons:
Frst-It was an exercise of authority
not vested in General Sherman; and it's face
shows that both he and Johnston knew that
he General Sherman, haa no authority to
enter Into any such arrangements.
Seuoad-I.was . practical acknowledge
ment of the rebel Governments.
Third-It undertook to re-establish the
rebel State Governments, that bad been
overthrown at the sacrifice of many thous-
and loyal lives and an immense treasure,
and placed arms and ammunition in the
hands Of rebels at their respective capitals.
which might be used rs soon as the armies
of the United States were disbanded, and
used to conquer and subdue the loyal States.
Fourth-By the restoration Of the rebel
authorities in their respective States they
would he enabled to re-establish slavery.
FyfA-It might furnish . ground of re-
sponsibility by the Federal Government to
pay the rebel debt, and would certainly sub
ject loyal citizens of the rebel States to the
debt incurred BY rebels iI the name Of the
State.
Sizt6-It puts in dispute the existence of
oyai State Govcrnnents. and the new State
Of West Virginia. which had been recog.
nized by every department. Of the United
States Government.
Sersnth-It practically abolished the con.
ficatiou laws, and relieved rebels Of every
deg,ee, who had slaughtered our people,