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Second.
It was an acknowledgment of the rebel government.
Third.
It is understood to re-establish rebel State governments that had been overthrown at the sacrifice of many thousands of loyal lives and immense treasure, and placed arms and munitions of war in the hands of rebels at their respective capitals, which might be used as soon as the armies of the United States were disbanded, and used to conquer and subdue loyal States.
Fourth.
By the restoration of the rebel authority in their respective States, they would be enabled to re-establish slavery.
Fifth.
It might furnish a ground of responsibility by the Federal Government to pay the rebel debt, and certainly subjects loyal citizens of the rebel States to debts contracted by rebels in the name of the States.
Sixth.
It put in dispute the existence of loyal State governments, and the new State of West Virginia, which had been recognized by every department of the United States Government.
Seventh.
It practically abolished the confiscation laws, and relieved rebels of every degree who had slaughtered our people, from all pains and penalties for their crimes.
Eighth.
It gave terms that had been deliberately, repeatedly, and solemnly rejected by President Lincoln, and better terms than the rebels had ever asked in their most prosperous condition.
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 renew their effort to overthrow the United States Government and subdue the loyal States, whenever their strength was recruited, and any opportunity should offer.
Sherman believed that the terms would be accepted as those of a military convention which could not well be disregarded; and in his letter to
Johnston of April 21, 1864, he says:--
Although strictly speaking, this is no subject of a military convention, yet I am honestly convinced that our simple declaration of a result will be accepted as good as law everywhere.
Of course, I have not a single word from Washington on this or any other point of our agreement, but I know the effect of such a step by us will be universally accepted.
I have put forward these facts because I think they justify the
President and
Secretary of War in their action, and in some degree excuse
General Sherman by taking away implications of bad motives.
I do this under some little pressure of conviction against him, because,
