Johnston, Joseph Eggleston (1807-1891) [General Order No. 18]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06654.01 Author/Creator: Johnston, Joseph Eggleston (1807-1891) Place Written: Greensboro, North Carolina Type: Manuscript document Date: 27 April 1865 Pagination: 1 p. ; 25.7 x 20.4 cm Order a Copy
Announces that by the terms of the surrender of 26 April 1865 between Union General William T. Sherman, and Confederate General Johnston, the officers and men of the army must not take up arms against the United States. Reports that duplicate muster rolls will be made, then troops will march to their respective states and disband, keeping personal property. Ends by saying that events in Virginia have made it the duty of the General to stop further bloodshed and devastation. Clerical signature of Johnston. Written from headquarters of the Army of Tennessee. Also signed as official by A. H. Hartridge, Major of Artillery.
On 26 April 1865, General Johnston surrendered his army upon the same terms that General Lee had received at Appomattox on 9 April 1865.
Hd Qrs Army of Tennessee
Near Greensboro N.C. April 27th 1865
Genl Orders}
No 18}
By the terms of a Military Convention made on the 26th Inst by Maj Genl W T Sherman U.S.A. & Genl J.E. Johnston C.S.A. The Officers & men of this army are to bind themselves not to take up arms against the United States until properly released from that obligation & shall receive guarantees from the United States Officers against Molestation by the United States Authorities so long as they observe their obligations & the laws in force where they reside.
For those objects duplicate Muster Rolls will be made immediately & after the distribution of the necessary papers, the troops will march under their respective officers to their respective states & be disbanded, all retaining personal property.
The object of this Convention is pacification to the extent of the authority of the Commanders who made it
Events in Virginia which broke every hope of success by War, imposed on its General the duty of sparing the blood of this gallant army & saving our country from further devastation & our people from ruin
(Sgd) J E Johnston General
Official
AH Hartridge
Maj of Artillery C.S.A.
Comdg 27th Batt Ga Volunteers
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