William Boynton, Sherman's Historical Raid

A copy of this draft was afterward sent to the War Department by General Sherman, indorsed in his own hand as follows: ‘Copy of a project sent by General Johnston, being the production of Mr. Reagan, P. M. General of the Confederates.’

The original of this draft was soon after captured by a Union officer, and below is an exact copy of it and of the attached note transmitting it to General Johnston during the interview:

As the avowed motive of the Government of the United States for the prosecution of the existing war with the Confederate States is to secure a reunion of all the States under one common government, and as wisdom and sound policy alike require that a common government should rest on the consent and be supported by the affections of all the people who compose it, now, in order to ascertain whether it be practicable to put an end to the existing war and to the consequent destruction of life and property, having in view the correspondence and conversation which has recently taken place between Major-General W. T. Sherman and myself, I propose the following points as a basis of pacification:

1. The disbanding of the military forces of the Confederacy; and

2. The recognition of the Constitution and authority of the Government of the United States, on the following conditions:

3. The preservation and continuance of the existing State Governments.

4. The preservation to the people of all the political rights, and rights of person and property, secured to them by the Constitution of the United States and of their several States.

5. Freedom from future persecutions or penalties for their participation in the present war.

‘6. Agreement to a general suspension of hostilities pending these negotiations.’

The above draft of terms was accompanied by the following note:

General Johnston will see that the accompanying memorandum omits all reference to details, and to the necessary action of the States, and the preliminary reference of the proposition to General Grant for his consent to the suspension of hostilities, and to the Government of the United States for its action. He will also see that I have modified the first article, according to his suggestion, by omitting the reference to the consent of the President of the Confederate States, and to his employing his good offices to secure the