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XLVII, Series I, of War of the Rebellion.
The correspondence between President Davis and myself, here inserted, will show what plans were made for the purpose of trying to take him across the Mississippi river, and I shall explain why those plans failed.
The letter which led to the correspondence between President Davis and myself was written by me, and is dated Hillsborough, N. C., April 19th, 1865.
The following extracts from it will give its main purport:
On the 22d of April I wrote again from Greensborough to President Davis, and a few extracts from that letter are here given: ‘My Dear Sir,—I came here intending to go to Salisbury to see you, but hearing that you are not there, I am not able to reach you at present. My only object in seeing you was to assure you that many of my officers and men agree with me in thinking that nothing can be as disastrous to us as a peace founded on a restoration of the Union. * * * If you should propose to cross the Mississippi, I ’
My Dear Sir,—Having seen the terms upon which it is proposed to negotiate, I trust that I may be pardoned for writing to you in relation to them.
Most of our officers look only at the military side of the picture at present, but you regard it in other aspects also.
The military situation is very gloomy, I admit, but it is by no means desperate, and endurance and determination will produce a change.
There are large numbers of the Army of Northern Virginia who have escaped, and of these many will return to our standard if they are allowed to enter the cavalry service.
Many of the cavalry who escaped will also join us if they find we are still making head against the enemy. * * Give me a good force and I will take them safely across the Mississippi, and if you desire to go in that direction, it will give me great pleasure to escort you. * * I write to you, my dear sir, that you may know the feelings which actuate many of the officers of my command.
They are not subdued nor do they despair.
For myself, I beg to express my heartfelt sympathy with you and to give you the assurance that my confidence in your patriotism has never been shaken.
If you will allow me to do so, I can bring to your support many strong arms and brave hearts—men who will fight to Texas, and who, if forced from that State, will seek refuge in Mexico rather than in the Union.
With my best wishes, I am, Very respectfully and truly yours,
(Signed,)
On the 22d of April I wrote again from Greensborough to President Davis, and a few extracts from that letter are here given: ‘My Dear Sir,—I came here intending to go to Salisbury to see you, but hearing that you are not there, I am not able to reach you at present. My only object in seeing you was to assure you that many of my officers and men agree with me in thinking that nothing can be as disastrous to us as a peace founded on a restoration of the Union. * * * If you should propose to cross the Mississippi, I ’
