Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1891-05-05
RETAINED AZ COUNCIL.
GENERAL JoHNsroms SURRENDER.
a Glass Of Brandy and BrcckinridGe's
EIoquence Melted Teoumseh.
fFnrenn Finld In Chlcarn Newsl

lEagene Field In Chicago novel;
1.-THE details of the surrender to Sher-
man have never been told" said General
Joe Johnston few weeks before his death.
They will probably never be known 10
the public--I refer, of course, ia. the per-
sonal incidents that seem amusing now.
but which at that remote time were full OF
tragic and pathetic meaning TO us. re-
call one day that went over to Sherman's
headquarters TO talk over the preliminaries
of the proposed surrender. or course, II
was nv wish 70 secure the best terms 1
could; wanted TO spare my people all I'M
necessary humiliation. 1t occurred 20 me
that if Sherman's feelings could be worked
upon-If his heart could be touched-l
would be able TO secure more advantageous
terms from him. Accordingly, on this par
ticular occasion, asked him IT upon the
following day might bring John Z. Breck-
inridge over TO talk with him.
" And who is Breckinridge!" askedSher-
man.
HE is our Secretary of War;" said J.:
=" No, sir, SAID Sherman harshly. ~
shall allow no civilian TO interfere IN TINS
matter. We are to conduct this affair
upon basis Of war and as between
soldiers
"'But,' said |, determined to bring
Breckinridge's eloquence to my assistance,
our Secretary Of War is major-general
in our army -
Every well, then said Sherman. |
would be glad TO talk with General Breck--
ridge, but intend that no civilian shall
have TO do with this matter
Next day Breckinridge and | started
for SheTman's headquarters. Now, Brock
inridge was a man who had been used to
his ten or twelve drinks per diem. Cir
cumstances over which none of Us had
any control had finally cut of all supplies.
Breckenridge was simply perlshlng Tor
want of O drink. | recall how, as we
toiled along in the heat, poor Breckenridge
sighed dOlorously and kept reiteratlng ms
pining for keg of fine old Kentucky
sour mash. At last in sheer despair he
reached around and whipped out OF his
pocket long, thin plug Of green tobacco.
That, too. was n rare luxury at that par
ticular time. A friend had given it to him
only the day before. He bit of an ample
chew, and as we trudged along on our way
he solemnly masticated the cud, as though
forsooth, he hoped thereby to allay the
cravings of his parched .fduces. When we
reached the headquarters Sherman was not
there. but presently he came IN with a
set of saddle bags over his arm. he was
as cheerful as a breath of early spring.
q" Gentlemen said Sherman, have
brought along some hospital supplies. VIII
you honor me, General Breckenridge. by
salnpling this brandy?' :,
Breckenridge made no answer. shall
never forget how deity he got. his hands
up to his lips, gathered that tobacco out OF
his mouth and hurled the Odious quid into
an obscure corner. Upon my word twas
pathetic.
80 You say when said Sherman, tipping
up the bottle and pouring out the cool,
delicious beverage.
"But, bless you Breckenridge was not
theman to cry enough No, sir, he just let
Sherman fill the glass to the top. and then
at one prodigious draught he drained of
the amber liquid. The effect was instan-
taneous; all at once he was the Breckin-
ridge of old. And eloquent? Never, be-
fore had the man pleaded for his fellows
as John 9. Breckenridge pleaded for his
fellow Confederates that day. Antiquity
was ransacked for instances illustrating
the benignity and mercy of conquerors
to conquered; the realms of poetry were
invaded, and bits Of tender verse were
utilized to soften the auditors proud
heart; history, biography, philosophy
yes, every art was employed TO gain the
speakers end; ii was masterpiece OF
scholarship, Of oratory, OF eloquence, OF
pathos.
sherman was vlsibly affected. With
his trousers he paced restlessly TO and fro,
| never saw man more deeply moved.
He strove to, but could not, conceal his agi-
tation. When finally Breckenridge ended
and sat down Sherman said not word for
several moments, but continued to pace
the floor nervously. Breckenridge reached
around, drew forth the plug of green to-
bacco and bit off another chew. The 81
lence, so long unbroken, became painful.
AT last Sherman turned TO the saddle
bags, picked them up, produced the bran
dy-bottle again, and poured out a noble
horn of the fiery substance. As deity as
before Breckenridge put his hands to his
lips and made away with his quid of to-
bacco. But no, the brandy was not for
him this time; Sherman tossed down the
coveted draught himself.
1.-THE draught was fiery; it rasped Sher-
mans throat, and brought the water into
his eyes. But, pulling himself together,
Sherman looked straight at Breckln-
ridge and said: General, you find virtue
in this brandy that do not find. / was
hoping il might give me, too. the erudi;
ton. the eloquence, the tenderness and
the power with which you have wrought
upon me. General Breckenridge, l be-
heve that if were to give you another
tumberful of this brandy you would be
inspired TO efforts so godlike that before
sunset ! should surrender the Union arms
to you, instead Of demanding the surrel-
der of your arms to me.
Some time after this incident" con-
tinued General Johnston. Il was talking
with Breckenridge, and Shermans name
happened 10 be mentioned.
90 Joe,' said Breckenridge, i can never
forgive Sherman for denying me second
drink that day. Do you know had half a
notion to say that day when he paid that
tribute to my eloquence: General, if
have not ACCOMPLISHED the melting o.