The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-11-09

YOU an idea OF my Soltcitude Tor you
and our family. and L will not distress
you by describing IL.
"The dispersion or Lees army and
the surrender OF the remnant which
remained with him destroyed the
hopes | entertained when we parted.
Had that army held together am
now confident we could have success
fully executed the plan which L sketch
ed to YOU and would nave been to-day
on the high road to independence.
Even after that disaster. IL the men
who stragglcd-say. thirty or forty
thousand in nuinbcr--had come back
with thoir arms and with a disposi
ton TO fight we might have repaired
the damage: but all was sadly the re-
verse of that. They threw away their
arms and were uncontrollably resolved
to go home The small guards along
tho road have sometimes been unable
TO prevent the pillagc OF trains and
depots. Panic has seized the country.
J. r. Johnston and Beauregard were
hopeless rs to recruiting their forces
from the dispersed men OF Lees army,
and equally so Rs to their ability to
check Sherman with the forces they
had. Their only idea was to retreat
OF tho power to do so they were
doubtful. and subsequent assertions
from their troops have materially di-
minshed their strength and, / learn
SUN more wCakcneO tnelT CoHUUCIiSC-
The loss Of arms has been SO great
that, should the spirit of the people
rise TO the occasion. it would not be
at this time possible adequately TO
supply them with the weapons OF war
General Johnston had several In
terviews with Sherman and agreed on
a suspension OF hostilitics and the
reference of terms OF pacificaion
They are secret and may be rejected
4 n
they arc hard enough. though freed
from wanton humiliation and OK
pressly recognizing the state govern
nents, and the rights OF person ana
property. as secured by the Constitu-
ton Of the United states and the sew
eral States.
The issue is one which it is very
painful for me TO meet. On one hand
is the long night of oppression which
will follow the return OF our people
to tho Union. On the other, the suf-
fcring Of tho women and children
and carnage among the few brave
patriots who would still oppose the in
vader. and who. unless the people would
rise en- nasse To sustain them, would
struggle but to die in vain. think
my Judgment is undisturbed by any
pride Of opinion or of opinion.
81 have prayed to our Heavenly
Father to give me wisdom and torti-
tude equal to the demands Of the po-
stion in which Providence has placed
me. have sacrificed so much for the
cause of the confederacy that can
measure my ability to make any fur
ther sacrifices required, and am as
sured there is but one TO which | am
not cQual-rny wife and my children.
How are they to nc saved from degra
cation or want is now my care.
During the suspension OF hostili-
ity to 90 10 mississippi. and thence
either to sail from Mobile for for
.irn port or to cross the river and
proceed 10 Texas, rs the one or the
other may be more practicable. The
little sterling (moneyp YOU have Will
he a very scanty store. and under
other circumstances would not be
counted but if our land can be sold.
that will secure YOU from absolute
want. For myself. ii may he that
: our enemy Will prefer To Danish me.
I Or it may he that a devoted band of
i cavalry will cling to me, and that !
can force my way across the Missis-
Sppi and il nothing can be done
there which il Will be proper To do
then | can go to Mexico. and have the
world from which to choose loca-
ton.
Dear wife. this is not the fate to
which | invited when the future was
rose colored 10 us both but I know
YOU Will bear it even better than my
. self. and that, OF us two. | alone VII!
ever look back reproachfully on my
past career | have thus entered on
! the questions involved in the future
TO guard against contingencies My
STAY will not be prolonged a day be
/ yond the prospect OF useful labor
here and there is every reason to sup
pose that I will be with you few
days after Mir Harrison arrives. Mrs
/ Omclia behaved very strangely about
putting the things YOU directed to-
bert says She would not permit TO
out Of the mess chest when he had
put - small quantity there.
. Little Maggies saddle was con-
ccalcd, and I learned after we left
Richmond was not with tho saddle
and brides which directed 10 be all
put together. AT the same time ]
VAS informed that Your saddle had
there Everybody seemed afraid OF
connection with our property. and
your carriage was sent TO the depot
To be brought with me. y plea was
made that II could not 90 on the cars
Of that train. but should follow on
the next. Specific charge and promise
was given, but tho carriage was left.
The notice to leave was given
sunday. bu, few hours were allowed
and my public duties compelled me tc
rely on others Count on nothing as
saved which YOU valued except the
bust. and that had 10 be left behind
Mrs. Omelia said she was charged
in the event OF our having 10 leave
10 place the valuables with the SIS
tiers. ana that she would distribut,
everything. told her to sell what
..t,4 Fan Il tx.t,