The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1865-06-02

April 18th, as arranged The interview was
frank and soldierly. Gen. Johnston
gave him to understand that fur
ther war on the part of the confeder-
ate troops was folly that the cause was lost;
that every life sacrificed after the Surrender
of Lees army was the highest possible crime
Johnston admitted that the terms conceded |
to Gen. Lee were magnanimous and all he |
could ask, but he wanted some concession |
that would enable him TO allay the natural
fears and anxiety of his followers and enable |
him to maintain his control over them until
they could be got back to their homes. lie
wanted to embrace in some general PROPOSE
tion the fate of all the confederate armies that
remained in existence. Gen Sherman says
81 never made any concession as to his own
army or assumed TO deal finally or authorita-
lively in regard to any other; but it did seem
to me that there was presented chance for
peace that ght be deemed valuable to the gov
ern.nent of the United States and was worth
the few days there would be consumed in re
ference thereto. To push an army whose COM
mander had so frankly and honestly confess
ed his inability to cope with me, were cow
ardly and unworthy the brave men led"
They met again on the 18th and rene wed
the convention, Gen. Sherman says:
"Inasmuch as Johnston did not
feel authorized to pledge his power
over the armies in Texas we adjourn
ed to meet next day at noon. | returned to
Raleigh and conversed freely with all my
| general officers, every one of whom urged me
to conclude terms that might accom-
| plish so complete and desirable an end
All dreaded the weary and laborious march
after a fugitive and disorganized army, back
| towards Georgia, almost over the very same
country where we toiled so long. There
was but one opinion expressed, and
if contrary ones were entertained they were
withheld or INDUCED in only by that class
who shun the fight and the march, but are
| loudest and fercest when the danger is past.
81 again met Johnston on the 18th and re-
newed the conversation. He satisfied me
then of his power to disband the rebel armies
in Alabama, Mississippi. Louisiana and Tex
as, as well as those under his immediate COM
Florida and Georgia. The points on
which he expressed especial solicit
tude were lest those states were to be disban-
ded and be denied representation in
congress or-sny separate political existence
| whatever. and at the absolute disarming of
his would leave the south powerless and
exposed to depredations by wicked bands of
assassins and robbers.
"President Lincoln's message of 1864 his
amnesty proclamation and Gen. Grants
terms 10 Lee su bstantialIy extending the ben.
cuts OF Iual Proclamation 10 all OlNctTs ABOVE
the rank of colonel and the invitation to the
Virginia legislature 10 reasonable In Rich
mond, by Gen. Weitzel. with the approval of
Mr. Lincoln and Gen Grant, then on the spot;
firm belief that had been fighting TO rees
tablish the constitution of the United States;
and last, not least, the general desire TO close
the war, were the leading facts that induced
! me to pen the memorandum Of April 18th ,
signed by myself and Gen. Johnston. 1t was
designed 10 be, and so expressed on its face,
as a mere basis for reference TO the presi-
dent of the United States, as constitutional
commander in chief, to enable him, if he
chose. at blow. to dissipate the military
, power of the confederacy, which had threat
ened the national safety for years. 1t admit
ted of modification, alteration and change.
1t had no appearance Of an ultimatum. BY
no false reasoning can it be construed into a
|, usurpation of power on my part. l have my
opinion on the subject involved, and will
|, stand by the memorandum.
"But this forms no part of a military re.
port.
The news Of President Lincoln's assassin.
aton on the l4th of April, wrongly reported
to me by telegraph rs having occurred on the
, llth, reached me on the 18th, and was
; announced to my command on the same day
, in a special order. | was duly impressed
, with its horrible atrocity and probable effects
, on the country, but when the property and
interests of millions still living were involved
, / saw no coed reason TO change my course
but thought rather to manifest real respect
for his memory by following, after his death,
I that policy, if living, / felt certain he would
, have approved or at least not rejected with
! disdain. Up to that hour, bad not received
, one word of instruction or advice as to the
. plan or policy Of the government looking to {
restoration of peace on the part Of the rebe
states of the south. Whenever asked for ar
Z opinion on the points involved ! had Away
! evaded the infect. My letter to the mayor
\ of Atlanta has been published to the world
and was not rebuked by the war department
n for it,"
, Gen. Sherrner- thcn gives bis ideas upor
: reconstruction and refers TO the interview
a with Mr. Stanton, in which the latter appear
o ed to approve Of his sentiments and had urg
ed upon him the importance of bringing TIA,
war TO an end, for financial reasons.
Z On the Oath Maj Hitchcock returned, &C
! companied by Gen. Grant and member o
his staff, bringing information that the memo
J.. randurA was disapproved; TO give at once th,
4S hours notice, and to resume hostilities a
! the close of that time.
t NEW ENGLAND syTT-SLAVFRV C0y.