Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 12.djvu/109

 Last Letters and Telegrams of the Confederacy. 99

The above is all my father's hand, and is endorsed by him simply "Mill. Papers— April, 1863." C. R. B.

May 3d, 1865 — Half mile west of Savannah Bridge, S P. M.

Dear Sir, —I have not heard from you in answer to my note of this day, and the condition of things here, together with great fa- tigue, have prevented my going forward.

Nothing can be done with the bulk of this command. It has been with difficulty that anything has been kept in shape. I am having the silver paid to the troops, and will in any event save the gold and have it brought forward in the morning, when I hope Judge Reagan will take it.

Many of the men have thrown away their arms. Most of them have resolved to remain here under Vaughn and Dibbrell, and will make terms. A few hundred men will move on and may be de- pended on for the object we spoke of yesterday. I would respect-, fully and earnestly repeat the suggestions I then made. Let me know if you desire me to adopt any other course than that proposed. If you are at Washington, or this side, I can ride forward in the morning to see you.

Yours very truly,

John C. Breckinridge, Sec. of War.

To President Davis.

Official : Wm. J. Davis, A. A. G.

P. S.—g P. M.—Yom note of 3:15 P. M. this date just received. What I have written above explains condition of affairs. The specie train could not have been moved on but for the course adopted. Out of nearly four thousand men present but a few hun- dred could be relied on, and they were intermixed with the mass. Threats have just reached me to seize the whole amount, but I hope the guard at hand will be sufficient.

(Signed) J. C. B.

This paper is endorsed in the same hand as the paper itself, which, I presume is that of Major Davis: "Copy of communication from Secr'y of War to the President. May, 3rd, 1865."

C. R. B.

Confederate States of America, War Department, i^ Miles west of Savannah Bridge, Geo.,

May 3, '65. [Extract Special Order No. .]

Maj. E. C. White, Senior O. M., will take charge of silver (in