Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 21.djvu/316

 308 Southern Historical Society Papers.

at Washington. Here we learned that General Wilson, United States army, with 10,000 cavalry, had captured Macon, and was on his way north.

After a day's deliberation and a consultation with some of the citi- zens of Washington, I determined to go to Augusta.

HEARD OF THE SURRENDER.

On the 1 8th of April, or thereabouts, we left in the train, and at the junction, while we were waiting for the western train to pass, we heard of General Lee's surrender. This we did not at the time credit. We arrived at Augusta in due time, and I made my report to General D. B. Fry, the commanding general. General Fry informed me he could offer no protection, as he had few troops, and was expecting to surrender to General Wilson as soon as he appeared with his cavalry. However, Generals Johnston and Sherman had just declared an armistice, and that gave us a breathing spell. The money remained in the cars, and the midshipman and the Charlotte company lived in the depot. While in Augusta, and afterwards, I was frequently advised by officious persons to divide the money among the Confederates, as the war was over, and it would otherwise fall into the hands of the Federal troops.

The answer to this was that the war was not over as long as Gen- eral Johnston held out, and that the money would be held intact until we met President Davis.

DECLINED TO DISBAND.

While waiting in Augusta I received a telegraphic dispatch from Mr. Mallory directing me to disband my command; but under the circum- stances I declined to do so.

On the 2oth of April, General Fry notified me that the armistice would end the next day, and he advised me to " move on." I de- cided to retrace my steps, thinking it more than probable that President Davis would hear of Mrs. Davis being left in Abbeville. Accordingly we left Augusta on the 23d, arrived at Washington the same day, formed a train again, and started for Abbeville. On the way we met Mrs. President Davis and family, escorted by Col. Bur- ton N. Harrison, the President's private secretary. I have forgotten where they said they were going, if they told me.