The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1892-04-11

eraphed TO Gen. John A. DIX, then in New
York, his permission TO publish the same.
o copy of the Sherman-J ohnston agreement
and Its disapproval by the government
To 1t was appended the reasons for It's dis
approval. These reasons were as follows:
"First-It was an exercise of an authority not
vested in General Sherman and on It's lace SHOWS
that both he and Johnston knew that General
Sherman had no authority TO enter into any such
arrangement
"second-It was practical Acknowledgement
of the rebel government
"Third-It undertookt to establish the rebel State
governments that had been overthrown Mt the
sacrifice OF many thousand loyal lives. and an
immense treasure and placed the arms ana munl-
lions OF war In the hands OF rebels at their re-
spective capitals which might be used as soon
as the armies OF the United States were dis
loyal States.
1T FAVORED SLAVERY.
'Feurth-By the restoration of rebel authority
in their respective States they would be enabled
to re-establish slavery.
"Fifth-It might furnish ground OF RESPONSE
bilfty for the federal government to pay the rebel
debts, and certainly subject the loyal citizens OF
rebel States to debts contracted by rebels IN the
State.
"sixth-It would put indispute the existence of
loyal State governments and the new State OF
West Virginia which had been recognized by
every department Of the United States govern
ment
.'seventh-It practically abolished the confisca-
-,
gree, who had slaughtered people, from all
pains and penalties for their crimes.
"Eighth-It gave terms that had been deliber-
ately, repeatedly and solemnly rejected by Pres
ident Lincoln, and better forms than the rebels
had ever asked in their most prosperous condi-
ton.
"Ninth-It formed no basis OF true and lasting
peace but relieved the rebels from the pressure
of our victories. and left them In condition TO RS
government and subdue the loyal States when
ever their strength was recruited and Oppor-
tunity was offered.
"The publication of these reasons was
absolutely demanded in the interest of the
public safety. The expectations which
General Sherman had raised in the minds
of the army amt the people that rebel SOL
diers only awaited the Presidents order to
return rejoicing to their homes. could not
be realized under his terms consistently
with the dignity or the safety ofsthescoun-
try. This had to DO made evident to the
people and the army TO prevent serious and
perhaps dangerous discomfort The Hon.
Jacob Collamer. then Senator from the
of datsa ths 4th Of Jane 1863
pressed his opinion on this point as follows:
General Sherman promulgated to his
army and the world his arrangements with
Johnston. Indeed. the armlstlce could not
in any other way be accounted for, and the
armies were Gratified with the expectation
of an immediate return home. T0reject that
arrangement was clearly necessary, and to
do 1t without stating any reason Tor 1t
would have been very dangerous expert
n,ent, both to the public and the army. In
deed. many had serious approximations of
its effect on the army even with the con-
elusive reasons which were given. Should
not this view be presented IN any and
every true manifesto of the casei
REJECTED BY THE UNION.
1T is not necessary here to discuss the
terms No one in his senses will question
the good intentions of General Sherman in
agreeing to them. but it is the truth of his
tory that they were rejected by the Union
people of the country at the time as unani-
mously as they were by the President and
his Cabinet.
In conclusion, allow me to quote one
more authority In support of Mr.. stanton's
view and in condemnation of General
will not be seriously questioned by you. 1t
was addressed to Mr.. Stanton and read as
follows:
"'CLEvELAND. o. April 81. 1s65-My Dear
Sir: / am distressed beyond measure at the
terms granted Johnston by General Sher-
man. They are inadmssible. There
should now be literally no terms granted.
We should not only brand the leading
rebels with infamy. but the whole rebellion
should wear the badge of the penitentiary
SO that for this generation. at least, noman
who has taken part In 1t would dare justify
or pallia.e 1T. With these views, I feel
that gross injustice has been done General
Sherman. especially by the press. The
moot that can be said about him is that he
granted the rebels too liberal terms. The
same may be said. but to a less degree. Of
Lincoln and General Grant in their ar
rangement with Lee General Sherman
had not understood the political bearing
of that agreement. 1t is his misfortune
that he believes the promises of these men,
and looks upon the whole contest in a sim
pie military view. He thought the dIsband-
ing of their armies is the end of the war.
while we know that to arm them with the
elective franchise and State ORGANIZATIONS
ie to renew the war;
Il feel so trout led at this matter, fol-
lowing so closely upon the death of Mr..
Lincoln. that was inclined to drop every
thing and 60 to Raleigh. but promised to
JOIN the funeral cOrtege here. and on Sat
eulogy of Mr.. Lincoln at Mansfield. This
over, / will gladly 60 to Washington or
anywhere else where can render any serv-
Joe. do not wish General Sherman to be
unjustly dealt with. and know that you
want him to be driven into fellowship with
the copperheads. His military services
have been too valuable to tho country TO
be stained by any such fellowship. you
can. In your multiplied engagements: drop
choose. show this to tho President or. in
John SHERMAN
II cannot find in this letter any refer
ence to the insult with which you now as
sert General Sherman'a terms were rejected
by President johnson and Mr.. Stanton.
But do find in it an assurance from you
to Secretary Stanton that you knew that
he would not permit General Sherman to
be unjustly dealt with. You could not
have said this had you thought Mr.. STAN
ton himself had already dealt unjustly
by him. by publishing the reasons above
quoted and which had been in print in ev-
cry leading newspaper of the country four
days before you wrote your letter.
II honored and admired General Sher-
man. knew him personally. and enjoy ed
the honor of his friendship. No more pa
triotIc American. no Drawer or more faith
full soldier ever lived. But also honored
and admired Mr.. Stanton. whose biography
i have undertaken and whose private pa
pers are in my keeping, and i cannot re-
main silent when one of the greatest and
wisest of his official acts is brought for
ward. mIsstated and perverted in n useless
effort to show that General Sherman was
right. when he himself admitted with the
concurrence of Senator Shermanl that he
was wrong. Very truly yours.
GEORGE L. GORHAM."
Ohio Peaches Nipped.