And then the Confederate Chieftain received a message so amazing he
could not at first credit its authority.
A courier from Sherman conveyed the announcement to Johnston that Davis
might leave the country on a United States vessel and take whoever and
whatever he pleased with him.
The answer of Jefferson Davis was characteristic.
"Please thank General Sherman for his offer and say that I can do no act
which will put me under obligations to the Federal Government."
Sherman had asked Lincoln at their last interview whether he should
capture Davis or let him go.
A sunny smile overspread the rugged features of the National President:
"That reminds me," he said, "of a temperance lecturer in Illinois. Wet
and cold he stopped for the night at a wayside inn. The landlord, noting
his condition, asked if he would have a glass of brandy.
"'No--no--' came the quick reply. 'I am a temperance lecturer and do
not drink--' he paused and his voice dropped to a whisper--'I would like
some water however--and if you should of _your own_ accord, put a little
brandy in it _unbeknownst_ to me--why, it will be all right.'"
Sherman was trying to carry out the wishes of the man with the loving
heart.
At Charlotte Davis was handed a telegram announcing the assassination of
Abraham Lincoln.
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