Southern Historical Society Papers, Volume 7.
Reverend J. William Jones, Ed.

[127]

The last telegrams of the Confederacy.

The following were among the last telegrams ever sent by President Davis or the Secretary of War. We have the originals, written in pencil and in the autographs of these distinguished leaders, and shall preserve them in our archives as memorials of those last sad days which closed our grand struggle for independence. Neither of these telegrams have ever been published in any form, so far as we know:

Charlotte, N. C., April 24, 1865.
General J. E. Johnston, Greensboroa, N. C.:

The Secretary of War has delivered to me the copy you handed to him of the basis of an agreement between yourself and General Sherman. Your action is approved. You will so inform General Sherman; and if the like authority be given by the Government of the United States to complete the arrangement, you will proceed on the basis adopted.

Further instructions will be given as to the details of negotiation and the method of executing the terms of agreement when notified by you of the readiness on the part of the General Commanding the United States forces to proceed with the arrangement.

Jefferson Davis. Official: M. H. Clark, Chief Clerk Executive Office.

Charlotte, N. C., April 24, 1865.
General J. E. Johnston, Greensboroa, N. C.

The President has written a telegram approving your action and the agreement of the 18th instant. I presume you have or will receive it to-day.

John C. Breckinridge, Secretary of War.

Charlotte, N. C, 24th April, 1865.
General B. Bragg, Charleston, S. C.:

I hope even the small force with you will be effective in preventing those irregularities to which I suppose you refer, and that your presence will secure good administration, now so important in the care and transportation of supplies. I expect to join you in a few days.

Jefferson Davis.