Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1865-04-28
SHERMAN Stops OVER.

brave, stubborn-wiled and successful General
has strsyed so far away into the field Of
craftsmanship as to lose the points Of the
compass and compel the higher powers to
lead him back again or, to use phrase more
fashionable than elegant, he has stopped over
Gen. Grant is probably with him by this time
to put things right. The following doou-
ments tell the story. Knowing as Sherman
did. that Grant refused to 60 into the matter
of reconstruction with Lee for rant OF potoer,
we cannot account for this conduct of Sher-
man in any way consistent with patriotism,
sagacity or prudence. 1t looks like assum-
ing to lead the President and Congress, or
making an issue with them either Of which
would be, to say the least, unwise nor
would it be less unwise to fatter the rebels
with expectations that in all probability can
not be gratded.
WAsH1NeToN, April %.
As reports have been in circulation of
correspondence between Gems. Johnston and
Sherman, the memorandum or basis Of what
was agreed upon between these two Generals,
huu tue iteulls are AS lOllOWbs
Memorandum or basis + agreement made
this 18th day Of April, 1865, near Durham
Station, in the State Of North Caro- ina, by
and between Gen. Joseph +. Johnston, COM
manding confederate army, and Major General
VIM. T. Sherman, commanding army of the
the United States in North Carolina, both
present.
First, The contending armies now in the
field are to maintain their statu quo until fur
Their notice is given by the Commanding Cen
eral OF either one to its opponent and reason
able time, say 4s hours allowed.
Second The Confederate armies now in ex-
istence are to be disbanded and conducted to
their several State capitals, there to deposit
their arms and public property in the State
arsenal and each officer and man to execute
and file an agreement TO cease from all acts Of
war, and to abide by the action of both state
and Federal authority. The number of arms
and munitions of war are to be reported to the
Chief of Ordnance at Washington City, sub
ject to 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 Govern
ments on their officers and Legislatures taking
toe oath prescribed by the Constitution Of
the United States, and where conflicting
State Governments have resulted from war,
the legitimacy Of all shall be submitted to the
Supreme Court of the Uuited States.
Fourth, The ACCOMPLISHMENT OF all Federal
courts in the several States with powers as
defined by the Constitution and laws of con-
gress.
FVth, The people and inhabitants of all
States to be guaranteed, 20 far as the Execu-
tive can, their political rights of person
and property, as defined bv the Con-
stitution of the United States, and of their
States respectively.
Sirth, The Executive authority Of the Gov
ernmens of the United States shall not disturb
any of the people by reason Of the late war,
so long as they live in peace and quiet, and
abstain from acts of armed hostility and obey
! laws in existence at any place OF their resi-
dence.
Seventh. In general terms, the war to cease
and general amnesty, SO far as the execu-
tive power OF the United States can command,
or condition of the dis bandment Of the
confederate army, II distribution of the arms,
and resumption Of peaceful pursuits by the
officers and men as hitherto composing said
armies.
Not being fully empowered by our respec-
tive principals to fulfill these terms. we indi-
vidually and officially pledge ourselves to
promptly obtain the necessary authority and
to carry out the above programme.
w. T. SHERMAN,
Maj. Gen. commanding U. s. A. in NC.
j. f. JOHNSTON.
This proceeding of Gen. Sherman was I'M
approved for the following reasons
firSt, 1t was the exercise Of an authority
not vested in Sherman ana on its face shows
both be ard Johnston knew that he (Sher.
MANI had no authority to enter into any such
Arrangement.
Second, 1t was practical acknow ledgment
on our part OF the re Del government.
THIRD, IL undertook to re-est ablish rebel
state governments tnat had been overthrow
at sacrifice OF many thousands OF loyal live,
and an immense treasure, and placed arms
and munitions of war In the hands of the
rebels at their respective capitals which might
be used AS soon as the armies of the United
States were isbandeI and to conquer and
subdue loyal states.
Fourth, BY the restoration of rebel author
ity in their respective states they would be
enabled to establish slavery.
Fin, IL might furnish ground of re-
sponsibiity by the federal government to pay
the rebel debt and certainly subject loyal
citizens of rebel states to pay the debt con-
summated by the rebels in the name Of the
state.
Sirth, 1t put in dispute the existence OF
| loyal state governments and the new state OF
Western Virginia, which had been recognized
/ by every department of the United States
government.
Seventh, 1t practically abolished the con-
/ fscation laws and relieved the rebels of every
degree who had slaughtered our people, from
all pains and penalties for their crimes.
! Eighth, 1t gave terms that bad been delib-
erately. repeatedly, and solemnly rejected by
President Lincoln, and better terms than the
rebels ever asked in their most prosperous
condition.
Ninth, 1t formed no basis Of true and last
ing peace, but relieved the rebels from the
pressure of our victories and left them in a
condition to renew their efforts TO overthrow
the United States government and subdue
| loyal states whenever their strength was re-