The National tribune., 1885-06-18
COUNCIL OF WAR.

What could Gen. Pemberton do? There
were only two alternatives He must either
cut his way out OF surrender. There were hot
headed officers in his army who talked bravely
of their ability to cut their way through
Grants lines, but cooler heads saw that it
was impossible. Gen. Pemberton knew that
his men were worn down with constant
watching, loss of sleep and want of
food. He knew that if he were even
able to break through Grants lines
anywhere, except towards the northeast,
nothing would be gained. He would be
hemmed in by the Big Black River. He
sent circular letter to his commanders ask
ing their opinions on this question: "Can
the army make the marches and undergo
the fatigues necessary to accomplish sue
cessful evacuation"
cit cannot" was the answer of MAJ .-Gens.
Smith, Forney, and Bowen. MY men," an
swered Gen. Stevenson, "are greatly enfee-
bled, but believe that most of them, rather
than be captured, would exert themselves to
the utmost
"An evacuation is impossible, on account of
the temper of the troops" said Gen. Smith.
"We cannot cut our way out" said most
of the brigade commanders
The Major-Generals came to Pemberton's
ueauQ W UdD Shall NC uouc!
There is but one answer Surrender
THE WHITE FLAG.
1t is July 3. The sun is up. The Union
pickets are in their places; the sharpshoot-
ers watching to discover Confederate head
peering above the breastwOrks, but instead,
the pickets on the Jackson road see white
flag waving in the morning sun. The joy
full news runs along the lines. Men who
have been lying low upon the ground stand
upon their feet. Two Confederate officers
climb over the INSTRUMENTATION. Bowen
and Col. MontgOmery-and walk towards
the Union lines. Gen. Bowen has letter
from Pemberton to Grant, asking that
commissioners be appointed to arrange for
terms of capitulatiOn.
"My terms are unconditional surrender of
the city and the troops" is the reply.
Gen. Grant is ready to assure Pemberton
that the men who have shown so much
courage and endured such hardships shall
be treated with respect If Gen. Pember-
ton wishes to see him personally, he will
meet him in front of the lines at 3 o'clock.
The hour comes, and Gen. Grant. with Gems.
Ord, Mcpherson, Logan, and A. j. Smith,
walk out from the Union lines south of the
Jackson road. At the same moment Penn
bertcn, Bowen, and several other officers adj
vance from the Confederate lines. The par
ties lift their hats to each other.
"What terms will you allow?" Pember-
ton asks
"Those which 1 have already Indicated"
is the reply.
"The conference may as well terminate"
said Pemberton.
"Very we'll" said Gen Grant.
Gen. Pemberton knows that it will not be
well for his army to have the contest 60
on. The officers know it, and Gen. Bowen
and Gen. A. J. Smith step aside to talk the
matter over, but agree upon nothing, nor
will Gen. Grant say in advance that he will
be bound by anything which they may agree
upon. He knows that he is master of the
situation.
Il will send you my terms in detail at 10
this evening" were the last words of Grant
as the conference breaks up.
THE SURRENDER.
The 4th of July has come great day in
the history of our country-the anniversary
of its birthday. At Gettysburg Gen. Lee, de-
feated in great battle, is thinking how he
can reach the other side of the Potomac.
The high hopes which jefferson Davis and
the Confederate Government has had of what
would come from the invasion of the North
are blasted, and now the army under Penn
berton is laying down its arms, surrendering
everything, marching out, stacking arms,
laying their colors upon them,-31 600 men
and 172 cannon all surrendered.
In March Gen. Pemberton had 81 ,495 men.
That great army has disappeared. All but
the 5000 under Loring, who broke away at
the battle of Champions Hill, are lost to the
Confederacy. Since March Pemberton has
lost 260 cannon.
Vicksburg, the stronghold, has been cap
tured. The Confederacy is nearly severed.
The men of the Northwest are hewing their
way to the Gulf of Mexico. The great river
is not to run through divided country.
The death knell of the Confederacy has been
sounded.
To be cOntinned1