His interview with Johnston and Beauregard was strained and formal.
Johnston's army in its present position in the hands of a resolute and
daring commander could have formed a light column of ten thousand
cavalry and cut its way through all opposition to the Mississippi River.
Knowing the character of his General so well he had small hopes.
After receiving the report of the condition of the army the President
called his Cabinet to consider what should be done.
Johnston sat at as great a distance from Davis as the room would permit.
The President reviewed briefly the situation and turned calmly to
Johnston:
"General, we should like now to hear your views."
The reply was given with brutal brevity and in tones of unconcealed
defiance and hatred.
"Sir," the great retreater blurted out, "my views are that our people
are tired of war, feel themselves whipped and will not fight."
A dead silence followed.
The President turned in quiet dignity to Beauregard:
"And what do you say, General Beauregard?"
"I agree with what General Johnston has said," he replied.
There was no appeal from the decision of these two commanders in such an
hour. The President dictated a letter to General Sherman suggesting
their surrender and outlining the advantageous terms which the Northern
Commander accepted.
Pages:
542
543
544
545
546
547
548
549
550
551
552
553
554
555
556
557
558
559
560
561
562
563
564
565
566