Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 34.djvu/133

 Towiisend's Diary January-May, 1865. 125

to Augusta, but upon expressing that idea to Colonel Hoke he declined to allow us to do so, and directed us to remain here. As he was our superior officer we were of course compelled to obey. He designated a point at which he wanted us to do guard duty for the night, and also a place at which we could find sleeping accom- modations. To this latter point we immediately went and deposited our baggage and made our arrangements for the night, having already had our rations cooked and disposed of. We found that the point which we had to guard was a government stable with a number of horses; we are to supply two posts and stand with loaded muskets, with orders to fire upon anyone who may make any attempt on horses, wagons, &c. Here we kept guard all night which passed without any adventure of note.

2nd. This morning drew two days rations of flour, bacon, rice, coffee and tobacco, and three hundred pounds of salt. The number of guard posts was decreased to one this morning, to be kept up during the day. We learned today that according to Johnston's agreement with Sherman, our little party is included in his surren- der, and that we may expect Yankee officers here this evening, who will give us Paroles. This is quite a doleful finale to our attempt to reach the Trans- Mississippi Department. This afternoon about 6.30 o'clock, a train, arrived from Salisbury, bringing Major Wal- cott, of the United States Army, the purpose of whose visit is to parole the officers and men, and take charge of the public property in the name of the Yankee government. He is, I am told, a very gentlemanly looking officer, and does not show many signs of hard service. He created quite a sensation by his coming. He is accompanied by Colonel Lee, of Johnston's army.

3rd. Today has been occupied with the paroling of the officers and men collected about the place, the number of whom will, I suppose, amount to nearly four thousand. Three thousand of these are comprised in a body of Wheeler's Cavalry, which is camped just outside of the town. We expect to receive our papers this evening, and l p ave this place early tomorrow morning, as an escort for General S. Cooper, who hopes to start for Danville at that time. This afternoon waited upon Major Walcott for the purpose of obtaining our paroles. He endorsed upon the list of our names, which we handed him as follows:

" These men belong to Lee's army, are not within the terms of agreement between Generals Johnston and Sherman, and, conse-