The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-01-03

tHefes as SEragglerS MAD SelZeu MS tram
for their own use. The President replied
that he had dispatched a train for him
under guard from Charlotte. But this
train was seized (as were many others)
at Concord by paroled soldiers and stray
glers, and Breckenridge telegraphed john
ston that he had great difficulty in get
ting as far as Salisbury, and suggested
strong guards at all bridges. 1t was under
this state of confusion and lawlessness
that President Davis and his cabinet
passed from Danville, Va, to Charlotte,
N. c. But Breckenridge and Reagan, who
were what might be termed special COM
missioners, were right in it, in their
efforts to aid Johnston and Sherman in
their efforts to come to an agreement,
and also to save the confederate army
from dire confusion, hoping thereby to
secure a sufficient force of cavalry to es-
cOrt President Davis and his advisers and
companions to a place of safety further
south.
The serious work of the cabinet was
transacted at Charlotte on April p, at
which time each member was called upon
for his views in regard to the Johnston
Sherman agreement and the future
course for the President and his official
followers to pursue. Judah p. Benjamin,
then Secretary of State, opposed further
military operations, as did Postmaster
General John H. Reagan, in a much longer
opinion, in which, like Secretary Benjamin
he admitted that they must accept many
things not to their liking. This opinion,
however, seems to have been retained by
Reagan, as Lieut. Col. Pritchard who cap
tured President Davis and Reagan at r.
vinsville, Ga, on May TO- found it in the
postmaster generals baggage, marked "a
and simply address ''The President" The
opinion of Attorney General George Davis
was similar to the others, he declaring
that the government of the confederate
states is no longer potent for good" Secre-
tary of War Breckenridge who was delay
ed in getting to Charlotte, gave his opin-
ion on April %, and it harmonized with
those of his associate. Il think" he wrote
I'VE can no longer contend with reason
able hope of success The next day Secre-
tary S. r. Mallory Of the navy department
rendered his opinion, to the same effect
declaring that "the confederacy is con-
quered; its days are numbered; Virginia is
lost to it, and North Carolina must soon
follow" and other southern states in their
order. 1t was on this day that Gen. John,
ston telegraphed Breckenridge from
Greensborough that Sherman was instruct
ed from Washington to limit his agree
ment' to Johnstons army demanding its
surrender on terms granted Lees army,
and terminating the truce within forty
eight hours. Johnston advised to "disband"
his small force to prevent devastation of
the country.
The critical moment had now arrived
and the safety of President Davis, his
cabinet and high officials was the para
mount thought in the minds of Secretary
Breckenridge and Gen. Johnston. From
the official records it seems that the only
prominent advocate of a prolongation of
the war was Lieut.. Gen. Wade Hampton,
but his plan of operations was not accept
| ed. Johnston provided Breckenridge with
army wagons, ambulances, etc, and a
cavalry escort to move President Davis
and his party, with their personal bag
gage and public treasure and documents
to a place of safety. 1t was indeed sad
| party that took up a WanC ring march
southwark, not knowing when or where.
| If at ALL the desired place of safety might
i be found. So far as hating at Abbeville,
S. c., and holding last" cabinet meet
ing is concerned the only official mention
l can find of the place is in a letter from
! President Davis, from Charlotte, April %,
| to Hon. A. Burt of Abbeville introduce
! ing his private secretary, Col B. N. Har-
rson as my friend" and commencing
| him to kind attentions. HE will be able
to give you," wrote President Davis,
news of our present condition in this
| quarter, and I am sorry that he will have
/ little to tell which it will be pleasant for
| you to hear" Probably Col Harrison ar
ranged for the party to stop over at Able
Vile and for President Davis to be the
| guest of his old friends, Mr. Burt and
| wife. The presence there, as stated of
| five cabinet officers is not improbable as
Benjamin, Breckenridge, Mallory, Davis
and Reagan were with the party at Char
| lotte, and no doubt kept them company
| 10 Abbeville and then on to Washington,
| Ca, where, without question, the final