«Мемуары генерала Уильяма Шермана. Том 1»

General Jos. Johnston had, the night before, marched his whole army (Bragg, Cheatham, S. D. Lee, Hardee, and all the troops he had drawn from every quarter), determined, as he told his men, to crash one of our corps, and then defeat us in detail. He attacked General Slocum in position from 3 P. M. on the 19th till dark; but was everywhere repulsed, and lost heavily. At the time, I was with the Fifteenth Corps, marching on a road more to the right; but, on hearing of General Slocum's danger, directed that corps toward Cox's Bridge, in the night brought Blair's corps over, and on the 20th marched rapidly on Johnston's flank and rear. We struck him about noon, forced him to assume the defensive, and to fortify. Yesterday we pushed him hard, and came very near crushing him, the right division of the Seventeenth Corps (Mower's) having broken in to within a hundred yards of where Johnston himself was, at the bridge across Mill Creek. Last night he retreated, leaving us in possession of the field, dead, and wounded. We have over two thousand prisoners from this affair and the one at Averysboro', and I am satisfied that Johnston's army was so roughly handled yesterday that we could march right on to Raleigh; but we have now been out six weeks, living precariously upon the collections of our foragers, our men dirty, ragged, and saucy, and we must rest and fix up a little. Our entire losses thus far (killed, wounded, and prisoners) will be covered by twenty-five hundred, a great part of which are, as usual, slight wounds. The enemy has lost more than double as many, and we have in prisoners alone full two thousand.

I limited the pursuit, this morning, to Mill Creek, and will forthwith march the army to Goldsboro', there to rest, reclothe, and get some rations.

Our combinations were such that General Schofield entered Goldsboro' from Newborn; General Terry got Cox's Bridge, with pontoons laid, and a brigade across Neuse River intrenched; and we whipped Jos. Johnston--all on the same day.

After riding over the field of battle to-day, near Bentonsville, and making the necessary orders, I have ridden down to this place (Cox's Bridge) to see General Terry, and to-morrow shall ride into Goldsboro.

I propose to collect there my army proper; shall post General Terry about Faison's Depot, and General Schofield about Kinston, partly to protect the road, but more to collect such food and forage as the country affords, until the railroads are repaired leading into Goldsboro'.

I fear these have not been pushed with the vigor I had expected; but I will soon have them both going. I shall proceed at once to organize three armies of twenty-five thousand men each, and will try and be all ready to march to Raleigh or Weldon, as we may determine, by or before April 10th.

I inclose you a copy of my orders of to-day. I would like to be more specific, but have not the data. We have lost no general officers nor any organization. General Slocum took three guns at Averysboro', and lost three others at the first dash on him at Bentonsville. We have all our wagons and trains in good order.

Yours truly,

W. T. SHERMAN, Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI IN THE FIELD,

COX'S BRIGADE, GOLDSBORO', NORTH CAROLINA, March 23, 1865.

Lieutenant-General U. S. GRANT, commanding the Armies of the United States, City Point, Virginia.

GENERAL: On reaching Goldsboro' this morning, I found Lieutenant Dunn awaiting me with your letter of March 18th and dispatch of the 17th. I wrote you fully from Cox's Bridge yesterday, and since reaching Goldsboro' have learned that my letter was sent punctually to Newborn, whence it will be dispatched to you.

I am very glad to hear that General Sheridan did such good service between Richmond and Lynchburg, and hope he will keep the ball moving, I know that these raids and dashes disconcert our enemy and discourage him much.

General Slocum's two corps (Fourteenth and Twentieth) are now coming in. I will dispose of them north of Goldsboro', between the Weldon road and Little River. General Howard to-day is marching south of the Nenae, and to-morrow will come in and occupy ground north of Goldsboro', extending from the Weldon Railroad to that leading to Kinston.

I have ordered all the provisional divisions, made up of troops belonging to the regular corps, to be broken up, and the men to join their proper regiments and organizations; and have ordered General Schofield to guard the railroads back to Newborn and Wilmington, and to make up a movable column equal to twenty-five thousand men, with which to take the field. His army will be the centre, as on the Atlanta campaign. I do not think I want any more troops (other than absentees and recruits) to fill up the present regiments, and I can make up an army of eighty thousand men by April 10th. I will post General Kilpatrick at Mount Olive Station on the Wilmington road, and then allow the army some rest.

We have sent all our empty wagons, under escort, with the proper staff-officers, to bring up from Kinston clothing and provisions. As long as we move we can gather food and forage; but, the moment we stop, trouble begins.

I feel sadly disappointed that our railroads are not done. I do not like to say there has been any neglect until I make inquiries; but it does seem to me the repairs should have been made ere this, and the road properly stocked. I can only hear of one locomotive (besides the four old ones) on the Newbern road, and two damaged locomotives (found by General Terry) on the Wilmington road. I left Generals Easton and Beckwith purposely to make arrangements in anticipation of my arrival, and have heard from neither, though I suppose them both to be at Morehead City.

At all events, we have now made a junction of all the armies, and if we can maintain them, will, in a short time, be in a position to march against Raleigh, Gaston, Weldon, or even Richmond, as you may determine.

If I get the troops all well planed, and the supplies working well, I may run up to see you for a day or two before diving again into the bowels of the country.

I will make, in a very short time, accurate reports of our operations for the past two months. Yours truly,

W. T. SHERMAN, Major-General commanding.

HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI IN THE FIELD,

COX'S BRIGADE, GOLDSBORO', NORTH CAROLINA, March 24, 1865.

Lieutenant-General U. S. GRANT, City Point, Virginia.

GENERAL: I have kept Lieutenant Dunn over to-day that I might report farther. All the army is now in, save the cavalry (which I have posted at Mount Olive Station, south of the Nenae) and General Terry's command (which--to-morrow will move from Cog's Ferry to Faison's Depot, also on the Wilmington road). I send you a copy of my orders of this morning, the operation of which will, I think, soon complete our roads. The telegraph is now done to Morehead City, and by it I learn that stores have been sent to Kinston in boats, and that our wagons are loading with rations and clothing. By using the Neuse as high up as Kinston, hauling from there twenty-six miles, and by equipping the two roads to Morehead City and Wilmington, I feel certain we can not only feed and equip the army, but in a short time fill our wagons for another start. I feel certain, from the character of the fighting, that we have got Johnston's army afraid of us. He himself acts with timidity and caution. His cavalry alone manifests spirit, but limits its operations to our stragglers and foraging-parties. My marching columns of infantry do not pay the cavalry any attention, but walk right through it.

I think I see pretty clearly how, in one more move, we can checkmate Lee, forcing him to unite Johnston with him in the defense of Richmond, or to abandon the cause. I feel certain, if he leaves Richmond, Virginia leaves the Confederacy. I will study my maps a little more before giving my positive views. I want all possible information of the Roanoke as to navigability, how far up, and with what draught.

We find the country sandy, dry, with good roads, and more corn and forage than I had expected. The families remain, but I will gradually push them all out to Raleigh or Wilmington. We will need every house in the town. Lieutenant Dunn can tell you of many things of which I need not write. Yours truly,

W. T. SHERMAN, Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI IN THE FIELD,

COX'S BRIGADE, GOLDSBORO', NORTH CAROLINA, April 5,1865

Major-General George H. Thomas, commanding Department of the Cumberland.

DEAR GENERAL: I can hardly help smiling when I contemplate my command--it is decidedly mixed. I believe, but am not certain, that you are in my jurisdiction, but I certainly cannot help you in the way of orders or men; nor do I think you need either. General Cruft has just arrived with his provisional division, which will at once be broken up and the men sent to their proper regiments, as that of Meagher was on my arrival here.

You may have some feeling about my asking that General Slocum should have command of the two corps that properly belong to you, viz., the Fourteenth and Twentieth, but you can recall that he was but a corps commander, and could not legally make orders of discharge, transfer, etc., which was imperatively necessary. I therefore asked that General Slocum should be assigned to command "an army in the field," called the Army of Georgia, composed of the Fourteenth and Twentieth Corps. The order is not yet made by the President, though I have recognized it because both, General Grant and the President have sanctioned it, and promised to have the order made.

My army is now here, pretty well clad and provided, divided into three parts, of two corps each--much as our old Atlanta army was.

I expect to move on in a few days, and propose (if Lee remains in Richmond) to pass the Roanoke, and open communication with the Chowan and Norfolk. This will bring me in direct communication with General Grant.

This is an admirable point--country open, and the two railroads in good order back to Wilmington and Beaufort. We have already brought up stores enough to fill our wagons, and only await some few articles, and the arrival of some men who are marching up from the coast, to be off.

General Grant explained to me his orders to you, which, of course, are all right. You can make reports direct to Washington or to General Grant, but keep me advised occasionally of the general state of affairs, that I may know what is happening. I must give my undivided attention to matters here. You will hear from a thousand sources pretty fair accounts of our next march. Yours truly,

W. T. SHERMAN, Major-General.

[LETTER FROM ADMIRAL DAHLGREN]

SOUTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON

FLAG-SHIP PHILADELPHIA, CHARLESTON, April 20, 1865

Major-General W. T. SHERMAN, commanding Armies of the Tennessee, Georgia, and Mississippi.

Mr DEAR GENERAL: I was much gratified by a sight of your handwriting, which has just reached me from Goldsboro'; it was very suggestive of a past to me, when these regions were the scene of your operations.

As you progressed through South Carolina, there was no manifestation of weakness or of an intention to abandon Charleston, until within a few hours of the fact. On the 11th of February I was at Stono, and a spirited demonstration was made by General Schimmel-pfennig and the vessels. He drove the rebels from their rifle-pits in front of the lines, extending from Fort Pringle, and pushed them vigorously. The next day I was at Bull's Bay, with a dozen steamers, among them the finest of the squadron. General Potter had twelve to fifteen hundred men, the object being to carry out your views. We made as much fuss as possible, and with better success than I anticipated, for it seems that the rebs conceived Stono to be a feint, and the real object at Bull's Bay, supposing, from the number of steamers and boats, that we had several thousand men. Now came an aide from General Gillmore, at Port Royal, with your cipher-dispatch from Midway, so I steamed down to Port Royal to see him. Next day was spent in vain efforts to decipher-finally it was accomplished. You thought that the state of the roads might force you to turn upon Charleston; so I went there on the 15th, but there was no sign yet of flinching. Then I went to Bull's Bay next day (16th), and found that the troops were not yet ashore, owing to the difficulties of shoal water. One of the gunboats had contrived to get up to within shelling range, and both soldiers and sailors were working hard. On the evening of the 18th I steamed down to Stono to see how matters were going there. Passing Charleston, I noticed two large fires, well inside--probably preparing to leave. On the 17th, in Stono, rumors were flying about loose of evacuation. In course of the morning, General Schimmelpfennig telegraphed me, from Morris Island, that there were symptoms of leaving; that he would again make a push at Stono, and asked for monitors. General Schimmelpfennig came down in the afternoon, and we met in the Folly Branch, near Secessionville. He was sore that the rebs would be off that night, so he was to assault them in front, while a monitor and gunboats stung their flanks both sides. I also sent an aide to order my battery of five eleven-inch guns, at Cumming's Point, to fire steadily all night on Sullivan's Island, and two monitors to close up to the island for the same object. Next morning (18th) the rascals were found to be off, and we broke in from all directions, by land and water. The main bodies had left at eight or nine in the evening, leaving detachments to keep up a fire from the batteries. I steamed round quickly, and soon got into the city, threading the streets with a large group of naval captains who had joined me. All was silent as the grave. No one to be seen but a few firemen.

No one can question the excellence of your judgment in taking the track you did, and I never had any misgivings, but it was natural to desire to go into the place with a strong hand, for, if any one spot in the land was foremost in the trouble, it was Charleston.

Your campaign was the final blow, grand in conception, complete in execution; and now it is yours to secure the last army which rebeldom possesses. I hear of your being in motion by the 9th, and hope that the result may be all that you wish.

Tidings of the murder of the President have just come, and shocked every mind. Can it be that such a resort finds root in any stratum of American opinion? Evidently it has not been the act of one man, nor of a madman. Who have prompted him?

I am grateful for your remembrance of my boy; the thought of him is ever nearest to my heart. Generous, brave, and noble, as I ever knew him to be, that he should close his young life so early, even under the accepted conditions of a soldier's life, as a son of the Union, would have been grief sufficient for me to bear; but that his precious remains should have been so treated by the brutes into whose hands they fell, adds even to the bitterness of death. I am now awaiting the hour when I can pay my last duties to his memory.

With my best and sincere wishes, my dear general, for your success and happiness, I am, most truly, your friend,

J. A. DAHLGREN.

[General Order No. 50.]

WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE

WASHINGTON, March 27, 1865

Ordered--1. That at the hour of noon, on the 14th day of April, 1885, Brevet Major-General Anderson will raise and plant upon the ruins of Fort Sumter, in Charleston Harbor, the same United States flag which floated over the battlements of that fort during the rebel assault, and which was lowered and saluted by him and the small force of his command when the works were evacuated on the 14th day of April, 1861.

2. That the flag, when raised, be saluted by one hundred guns from Fort Sumter, and by a national salute from every fort and rebel battery that fired upon Fort Sumter.

3. That suitable ceremonies be had upon the occasion, under the direction of Major-General William T. Sherman, whose military operations compelled the rebels to evacuate Charleston, or, in his absence, under the charge of Major-General Q. A. Gilmore, commanding the department. Among the ceremonies will be the delivery of a public address by the Rev. Henry Ward Beecher.

4. That the naval forces at Charleston, and their commander on that station, be invited to participate in the ceremonies of the occasion.

By order of the President of the United States,

EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War.

[General Order No. 41.]

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH

HILTON HEAD, SOUTH CAROLINA, April 10, 1865

Friday next, the 14th inst., will be the fourth anniversary of the capture of Fort Sumter by the rebels. A befitting celebration on that day, in honor of its reoccupation by the national forces, has been ordered by the President, in pursuance of which Brevet Major-General Robert Anderson, United States Army, will restore to its original place on the fort the identical flag which, after an honorable and gallant defense, he was compelled to lower to the insurgents in South Carolina, in April, 1861.

The ceremonies for the occasion will commence with prayer, at thirty minutes past eleven o'clock A.M.

At noon precisely, the flag will be raised and saluted with one hundred guns from Fort Sumter, and with a national salute from Fort Moultrie and Battery Bee on Sullivan's Island, Fort Putnam on Morris Island, and Fort Johnson on James's Island; it being eminently appropriate that the places which were so conspicuous in the inauguration of the rebellion should take a part not less prominent in this national rejoicing over the restoration of the national authority.

After the salutes, the Rev. Henry Ward Beecher will deliver an address.

The ceremonies will close with prayer and a benediction.

Colonel Stewart L. Woodford, chief of staff, under such verbal instructions as he may receive, is hereby charged with the details of the celebration, comprising all the arrangements that it may be necessary to make for the accommodation of the orator of the day, and the comfort and safety of the invited guests from the army and navy, and from civil life.

By command of Major-General Q. A. Gillmore,

W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant-General.

Copy of Major ANDERSON's Dispatch, announcing the Surrender of Fort Sumter, April 14, 1861.

STEAMSHIP BALTIC, OFF SANDY HOOK

April 10, 1861, 10.30 A.M. via New York

Honorable S. Cameron, Secretary of War, Washington

Having defended Fort Sumter for thirty-four hours, until the quarters were entirely burned, the main gates destroyed by fire, the gorge-walls seriously injured, the magazine surrounded by flames, and its door closed from the effect of heat, four barrels and three cartridges of powder only being available, and no provisions remaining but pork, I accepted terms of evacuation offered by General Beauregard, being the same offered by him on the 11th inst., prior to the commencement of hostilities, and marched out of the fort, Sunday afternoon, the 14th inst., with colors flying and drums beating, bringing away company and private property, and saluting my flag with fifty guns.

ROBERT ANDERSON, Major First Artillery, commanding.

ГЛАВА XXIV.

КОНЕЦ ВОЙНЫ — ОТ ГОЛДСБОРО ДО РОЛИ И ВАШИНГТОНА.

APRIL AND MAY, 1865.

Как уже описывалось, армии под командованием соответственно генералов Дж. М. Скофилда, А. Х. Терри и моя собственная соединились в Голдсборо в Северной Каролине и его окрестностях 22 и 23 марта 1865 года, однако потребовалось еще несколько дней, чтобы все войска и обозные повозки добрались до отведенных им лагерей. Лично я прибыл в Голдсборо 23-го числа и встретился с генералом Скофилдом, который во всех деталях описал свои операции в Северной Каролине к тому дню; кроме того, я застал адъютанта генерала Гранта лейтенанта Данна с его письмом от 16 марта, в котором давалось общее описание положения дел в районе Сити-Пойнт. На следующий день я получил еще одно, более подробное письмо от 22-го числа, которое привожу ниже.

Тем не менее я счел крайне важным лично встретиться с генералом и решил отправиться в Сити-Пойнт самолично, как только позволят ремонтные работы на железной дороге, производившиеся тогда под личным руководством полковника В. В. Райта:

HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES VCITY POINT, VIRGINIA, March 22, 1865

Major-General SHERMAN, Commanding Military Division of the Mississippi.

GENERAL: Although the Richmond papers do not communicate the fact, yet I saw enough in them to satisfy me that you occupied Goldsboro' on the 19th inst. I congratulate you and the army on what may be regarded as the successful termination of the third campaign since leaving the Tennessee River, less than one year ago.

Since Sheridan's very successful raid north of the James, the enemy are left dependent on the Southside and Danville roads for all their supplies. These I hope to cut next week. Sheridan is at White House, "shoeing up" and resting his cavalry. I expect him to finish by Friday night and to start the following morning, raid Long Bridge, Newmarket, Bermuda Hundred, and the extreme left of the army around Petersburg. He will make no halt with the armies operating here, but will be joined by a division of cavalry, five thousand five hundred strong, from the Army of the Potomac, and will proceed directly to the Southside and Danville roads. His instructions will be to strike the Southside road as near Petersburg as he can, and destroy it so that it cannot be repaired for three or four days, and push on to the Danville road, as near to the Appomattox as he can get. Then I want him to destroy the road toward Burkesville as far as he can; then push on to the Southside road, west of Burkesville, and destroy it effectually. From that point I shall probably leave it to his discretion either to return to this army, crossing the Danville road south of Burkesville, or go and join you, passing between Danville and Greensboro'. When this movement commences I shall move out by my left, with all the force I can, holding present intrenched lines. I shall start with no distinct view, further than holding Lee's forces from following Sheridan. But I shall be along myself, and will take advantage of any thing that turns up. If Lee detaches, I will attack; or if he comes out of his lines I will endeavor to repulse him, and follow it up to the best advantage.

It is most difficult to understand what the rebels intend to do; so far but few troops have been detached from Lee's army. Much machinery has been removed, and material has been sent to Lynchburg, showing a disposition to go there. Points, too, have been fortified on the Danville road.

Lee's army is much demoralized, and great numbers are deserting. Probably, from returned prisoners, and such conscripts as can be picked up, his numbers may be kept up. I estimate his force now at about sixty-five thousand men.

Wilson started on Monday, with twelve thousand cavalry, from Eastport. Stoneman started on the same day, from East Tennessee, toward Lynchburg. Thomas is moving the Fourth Corps to Bull's Gap. Canby is moving with a formidable force on Mobile and the interior of Alabama.

I ordered Gilmore, as soon as the fall of Charleston was known, to hold all important posts on the sea-coast, and to send to Wilmington all surplus forces. Thomas was also directed to forward to Newbern all troops belonging to the corps with you. I understand this will give you about five thousand men, besides those brought east by Meagher.

I have been telegraphing General Meigs to hasten up locomotives and cars for you. General McCallum, he informs me, is attending to it. I fear they are not going forward as fast as I world like.

Let me know if you want more troops, or any thing else.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant-General.

Железная дорога до Голдсборо была восстановлена к вечеру 25 марта, после чего, оставив генерала Скофилда во главе главного командования, я в компании инженера-строителя полковника Райта и пары штабных офицеров отправился на паровозе в Сити-Пойнт в Виргинии. Тот вечер мы провели в Ньюберне в обществе генерала Палмера и его очаровательной супруги, а рано утром на следующий день продолжили путь до Морхед-Сити, где генерал Истон предоставил в наше распоряжение небольшой захваченный пароход «Россия» (Russia) под командованием капитана Смита. Мы немедленно вышли в море и двинулись вдоль побережья вверх, прибыв утром 27-го числа к Фортресс-Монро, где я сошел на берег и телеграфировал своему брату, сенатору Шерману в Вашингтон, приглашая его приехать и вернуться со мной в Голдсборо. Мы продолжили подъем по реке Джеймс до Сити-Пойнта, куда прибыли во второй половине того же дня. Я обнаружил генерала Гранта с семьей и штабом занимающими живописный городок из хижин на берегу реки Джеймс с видом на гавань, заполненную судами всех классов — как военными, так и торговыми, — с причалами и складами обширных масштабов. Генерал принял меня сердечнейшим образом, и мы обстоятельно обсудили все дела. Пробыв у него около часа, он обмолвился, что президент Линкольн находится на борту парохода River Queen, стоящего у причалов, и предложил навестить его. Мы спустились к пристани, поднялись на борт и застали мистера Линкольна одного в кормовой каюте. Он прекрасно меня помнил и сразу же завязал крайне интересную беседу. Он живо интересовался множеством эпизодов нашего великого марша, доходивших до него по официальным каналам и из газет, и, казалось, получал огромное удовольствие от наиболее комичных деталей — о «мародерах» и их ухищрениях по добыванию продовольствия и фуража в ту пору, когда внешний мир считал нас умирающими с голоду; однако в то же время он выражал немалую тревогу, опасаясь, как бы во время моего отсутствия в Северной Каролине с армией не случилось какой-нибудь беды. Я объяснил ему, что эта армия уютно и комфортно устроилась в хороших лагерях в Голдсборо; что для подготовки к новому маршу потребуется несколько дней на сбор фуража и продовольствия; и что генерал Скофилд вполне способен командовать ею в мое отсутствие. Нанеся должный, продолжительный и приятный визит, мы распрощались и вернулись в резиденцию генерала Гранта, где миссис Грант приготовила чай. За столом миссис Грант поинтересовалась, не видели ли мы миссис Линкольн. «Нет, — ответил генерал, — я ее не звал», а я добавил, что даже не знал о ее присутствии на борту. Тогда миссис Грант воскликнула: «Ну и парочка же вы!» — добавив, что такое пренебрежение непростительно, на что генерал пообещал, что навестим ее снова на следующий день, чтобы загладить непреднамеренную оплошность.

Рано на следующий день, 28 марта, все главные офицеры армии и флота нанесли мне визит: генералы Мид, Орд, Ингаллс и др., а также адмирал Портер. В это время пароход «Ривер Куин» стоял на якоре посреди реки, напротив причала, и мы снова отправились навестить мистер и миссис Линкольн. Адмирал Портер сопровождал нас. Мы сели на небольшой буксир у причала, который доставил нас на борт, где нас вновь самым любезным образом принял Президент, проводивший нас в кормовую каюту. После взаимных приветствий генерала Гранта поинтересовался здоровьем миссис Линкольн; Президент зашел в ее каюту, вернулся и попросил нас извинить ее, так как она нездорова. Затем мы снова перешли к общей беседе, во время которой генерал Грант объяснил Президенту, что в самый этот момент генерал Шеридан переправляется через реку Джеймс с севера по понтонному мосту ниже Сити-Пойнта; что у него имеется крупное, прекрасно оснащенное кавалерийское соединение, с которым он намерен нанести удар по Сайдсайдской и Данвиллской железным дорогам, посредством которых единственный генерал Ли в Ричмонде снабжал свою армию; и что, по его мнению, события приближаются к развязке, причем единственное его опасение заключается в том, что генерал Ли прождет недостаточно долго. Я также пояснил, что моя армия в Голдсборо достаточно сильна, чтобы разгромить армии Ли и Джонстона вместе взятые, при условии, что генерал Грант сможет подойти через день или около того; что если Ли продержится в Ричмонде еще две недели, я смогу дойти до Берксвилла, после чего Ли придется либо голодать внутри своих линий, либо выйти из укреплений и сразиться с нами на равных условиях.

И генерал Грант, и я предполагали, что кому-то из нас придется дать еще одно кровопролитное сражение и что оно станет последним. Мистер Линкольн не раз восклицал, что пролито уже достаточно крови, и спрашивал нас, нельзя ли избежать еще одной битвы. Я хорошо помню, как сказал, что мы не можем управлять этим событием; что оно неизбежно зависит от нашего противника, и я предполагал, что и Джефф Дэвис, и генерал Ли будут вынуждены дать еще одно отчаянное и кровопролитное сражение. Я скорее предполагал, что оно выпадет на мою долю где-то близ Роли; а генерал Грант добавил, что если Ли прождет еще несколько дней, он расположит свою армию так, что если противник покинет Ричмонд и попытается соединиться с генералом Джоз. Джонстоном в Северной Каролине, он (генерал Грант) окажется у него по пятам. Мистер Линкольн не раз выражал беспокойство по поводу того, что я не нахожусь со своей армией в Голдсборо, на что я вновь заверил его, что генерал Скофилд вполне способен командовать в мое отсутствие; что я собираюсь отправиться обратно в тот же самый день и что адмирал Портер любезно предоставил в мое распоряжение пароход «Бэт», который, по его словам, был гораздо быстрее моего собственного судна «Россия». Во время этой беседы я спросил Президента, полностью ли он готов к концу войны. Что должно было произойти с мятежными армиями после их поражения? И как следует поступить с политическими лидерами, такими как Джефф Дэвис и др.? Следует ли нам позволить им бежать и т. д.? Он ответил, что он полностью готов; все, чего он от нас хотел, — это разгромить противостоящие армии и вернуть людей, составлявших армии Конфедерации, к их очагам, к работе на фермах и в мастерских. Что касается Джеффа Дэвиса, он едва ли мог свободно высказать свое мнение целиком, но дал понять, что тому следовало бы убраться во свояси, «бежать из страны», только ему нельзя было говорить об этом открыто. Как обычно, он проиллюстрировал свою мысль историей:

Один человек некогда дал обет абсолютного трезвения. Навещая друга, он получил приглашение пропустить по рюмочке, но отказался, сославшись на свой обет; тогда друг предложил лимонад, который был принят. Приготавливая лимонад, друг указал на бутылку бренди и заметил, что лимонад станет приятнее, если плеснуть туда немного бренди; на это гость ответил, что если тот сделает это «неведомо» для него, он «возражать не станет». Из каковой иллюстрации я сделал вывод, что мистер Линкольн желал побега Дэвиса — «неведомо» для него.

Я не делал никаких записей этой беседы в то время, но присутствовавший при ней адмирал Портер сделал их и в 1866 году предоставил мне ее отчет, который я привожу ниже, однако адмирал описывает первый визит от 27-го числа, тогда как моя память относит присутствие адмирала Портера на следующий день. Тем не менее он может быть прав, и он вполне мог находиться с нами днем ранее, поскольку я пишу это главным образом по памяти. Было две отдельные встречи: первая — поздно во второй половине дня 27 марта, а вторая — около полудня 28-го числа, обе в кормовой каюте парохода «Ривер Куин»; в обоих случаях мистер Линкольн был откровенен и полон сил в беседе, заверив меня, что мысленно он полностью готов к гражданской реорганизации дел на Юге, как только закончится война, и он определенно уполномочил меня заверить губернатора Вэнса и жителей Северной Каролине в том, что как только мятежные армии сложат оружие и возобновят мирные занятия, им будут немедленно гарантированы все права граждан общей страны; и что во избежание анархии существующие тогда правительства штатов с их гражданскими чиновниками будут признаны им в качестве де-факто правительств до тех пор, пока Конгресс не учредит другие.

Я знаю, что, покидая его, я был более чем когда-либо потрясен его мягким нравом, глубоким и искренним сочувствием к страданиям всего народа, порожденным войной и шествием вражеских армий по Югу; и что его искренним желанием, казалось, было скорейшее окончание войны без новых кровопролитий и опустошений, а также возвращение всех людей обеих сторон к их очагам. Выражаясь словами его второй инаугурационной речи, он казался исполненным «милосердия ко всем, злобы ни к кому» и, превыше всего, абсолютной веры в мужество, доблесть и честность армий на поле боя. Когда он отдыхал или прислушивался, его руки и ноги казались почти безжизненными, а лицо было изнуренным и осунувшимся; но стоило ему заговорить, как его лицо светлело, высокая фигура словно распрямлялась, и он являл собой олицетворение благодушия и товарищества. Последними словами, адресованными мне, которые я помню, было то, что он почувствует себя лучше, когда я вернусь в Голдсборо. Мы расстались у трапа «Ривер Куин» около полудня 28 марта, и я больше его никогда не видел. Из всех людей, которых я когда-либо встречал, он, казалось, обладал чертами величия в сочетании с добротой в наибольшей степени по сравнению с любым другим.

ADMIRAL PORTER'S ACCOUNT OF THE INTERVIEW WITH Mr. LINCOLN.

The day of General Sherman's arrival at City Point (I think the 27th of March, 1866), I accompanied him and General Grant on board the President's flagship, the Queen, where the President received us in the upper saloon, no one but ourselves being present.

The President was in an exceedingly pleasant mood, and delighted to meet General Sherman, whom he cordially greeted.

It seems that this was the first time he had met Sherman, to remember him, since the beginning of the war, and did not remember when he had seen him before, until the general reminded him of the circumstances of their first meeting.

This was rather singular on the part of Mr. Lincoln, who was, I think, remarkable for remembering people, having that kingly quality in an eminent degree. Indeed, such was the power of his memory, that he seemed never to forget the most minute circumstance.

The conversation soon turned on the events of Sherman's campaign through the South, with every movement of which the President seemed familiar.

He laughed over some of the stories Sherman told of his "bummers," and told others in return, which illustrated in a striking manner the ideas he wanted to convey. For example, he would often express his wishes by telling an apt story, which was quite a habit with him, and one that I think he adopted to prevent his committing himself seriously.

The interview between the two generals and the President lasted about an hour and a half, and, as it was a remarkable one, I jotted down what I remembered of the conversation, as I have made a practice of doing during the rebellion, when any thing interesting occurred.

I don't regret having done so, as circumstances afterward occurred (Stanton's ill conduct toward Sherman) which tended to cast odium on General Sherman for allowing such liberal terms to Jos. Johnston.

Could the conversation that occurred on board the Queen, between the President and General Sherman, have been known, Sherman would not, and could not, have been censored. Mr. Lincoln, had he lived, would have acquitted the general of any blame, for he was only carrying out the President's wishes.

My opinion is, that Mr. Lincoln came down to City Point with the most liberal views toward the rebels. He felt confident that we would be successful, and was willing that the enemy should capitulate on the most favorable terms.

I don't know what the President would have done had he been left to himself, and had our army been unsuccessful, but he was than wrought up to a high state of excitement. He wanted peace on almost any terms, and there is no knowing what proposals he might have been willing to listen to. His heart was tenderness throughout, and, as long as the rebels laid down their arms, he did not care how it was done. I do not know how far he was influenced by General Grant, but I presume, from their long conferences, that they must have understood each other perfectly, and that the terms given to Lee after his surrender were authorized by Mr. Lincoln. I know that the latter was delighted when he heard that they had been given, and exclaimed, a dozen times, "Good!" "All right!" "Exactly the thing!" and other similar expressions. Indeed, the President more than once told me what he supposed the terms would be: if Lee and Johnston surrendered, he considered the war ended, and that all the other rebel forces world lay down their arms at once.

In this he proved to be right. Grant and Sherman were both of the same opinion, and so was everyone else who knew anything about the matter.

What signified the terms to them, so long as we obtained the actual surrender of people who only wanted a good opportunity to give up gracefully? The rebels had fought "to the last ditch," and all that they had left them was the hope of being handed down in history as having received honorable terms.

After hearing General Sherman's account of his own position, and that of Johnston, at that time, the President expressed fears that the rebel general would escape south again by the railroads, and that General Sherman would have to chase him anew, over the same ground; but the general pronounced this to be impracticable. He remarked: "I have him where he cannot move without breaking up his army, which, once disbanded, can never again be got together; and I have destroyed the Southern railroads, so that they cannot be used again for a long time." General Grant remarked, "What is to prevent their laying the rails again?" "Why," said General Sherman, "my bummers don't do things by halves. Every rail, after having been placed over a hot fire, has been twisted as crooked as a ram's-horn, and they never can be used again."

This was the only remark made by General Grant during the interview, as he sat smoking a short distance from the President, intent, no doubt, on his own plans, which were being brought to a successful termination.

The conversation between the President and General Sherman, about the terms of surrender to be allowed Jos. Johnston, continued. Sherman energetically insisted that he could command his own terms, and that Johnston would have to yield to his demands; but the President was very decided about the matter, and insisted that the surrender of Johnston's army most be obtained on any terms.

General Grant was evidently of the same way of thinking, for, although he did not join in the conversation to any extent, yet he made no objections, and I presume had made up his mind to allow the best terms himself.

He was also anxious that Johnston should not be driven into Richmond, to reenforce the rebels there, who, from behind their strong intrenchments, would have given us incalculable trouble.

Sherman, as a subordinate officer, yielded his views to those of the President, and the terms of capitulation between himself and Johnston were exactly in accordance with Mr. Lincoln's wishes. He could not have done any thing which would have pleased the President better.

Mr. Lincoln did, in fact, arrange the (so considered) liberal terms offered General Jos. Johnston, and, whatever may have been General Sherman's private views, I feel sure that he yielded to the wishes of the President in every respect. It was Mr. Lincoln's policy that was carried out, and, had he lived long enough, he would have been but too glad to have acknowledged it. Had Mr. Lincoln lived, Secretary Stanton would have issued no false telegraphic dispatches, in the hope of killing off another general in the regular army, one who by his success had placed himself in the way of his own succession.

The disbanding of Jos. Johnston's army was so complete, that the pens and ink used in the discussion of the matter were all wasted.

It was asserted, by the rabid ones, that General Sherman had given up all that we had been fighting for, had conceded every thing to Jos. Johnston, and had, as the boys say, "knocked the fat into the fire;" but sober reflection soon overruled these harsh expressions, and, with those who knew General Sherman, and appreciated him, he was still the great soldier, patriot, and gentleman. In future times this matter will be looked at more calmly and dispassionately. The bitter animosities that have been engendered during the rebellion will have died out for want of food on which to live, and the very course Grant, Sherman, and others pursued, in granting liberal terms to the defeated rebels, will be applauded. The fact is, they met an old beggar in the road, whose crutches had broken from under him: they let him have only the broken crutches to get home with!

I sent General Sherman back to Newbern, North Carolina, in the steamer Bat.

While he was absent from his command he was losing no time, for he was getting his army fully equipped with stores and clothing; and, when he returned, he had a rested and regenerated army, ready to swallow up Jos. Johnston and all his ragamuffins.

Johnston was cornered, could not move without leaving every thing behind him, and could not go to Richmond without bringing on a famine in that destitute city.

I was with Mr. Lincoln all the time he was at City Point, and until he left for Washington. He was more than delighted with the surrender of Lee, and with the terms Grant gave the rebel general; and would have given Jos. Johnston twice as much, had the latter asked for it, and could he have been certain that the rebel world have surrendered without a fight. I again repeat that, had Mr. Lincoln lived, he would have shouldered all the responsibility.

One thing is certain: had Jos. Johnston escaped and got into Richmond, and caused a larger list of killed and wounded than we had, General Sherman would have been blamed. Then why not give him the full credit of capturing on the best terms the enemy's last important army and its best general, and putting an end to the rebellion.

It was a finale worthy of Sherman's great march through the swamps and deserts of the South, a march not excelled by any thing we read of in modern military history.

D. D. PORTER, Vice-Admiral.

(Written by the admiral in 1866, at the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md., and mailed to General Sherman at St. Louis, Mo.)

Как только представилась возможность, я договорился с генералом Грантом об определенных изменениях в структуре моей армии; кроме того, генерал взялся отправить в Северную Каролину несколько буксиров и барж для доставки припасов из Нью-Берна вплоть до Кинстона, откуда их можно было бы перевозить на фургонах в наши лагеря, тем самым разгрузив наши железные дороги в соответствующей степени. Я взял на себя обязательство быть готовым к маршу на север к 10 апреля, после чего поднялся на борт парохода «Бэт» капитана Барнса, направлявшегося в Северную Каролину. Мы спустились вниз по реке Джеймс и в Олд-Пойнт-Комфорте приняли на борт моего брата, сенатора Шермана, и мистера Эдвина Стентона, сына военного министра, после чего незамедлительно направились к месту назначения. По пути вниз по реке капитан Барнс выразил мне крайнюю признательность за то, что я взял его судно, поскольку это избавило его от мучительнейшей дилеммы. Он пояснил, что адмирал Портер прикомандировал его для сопровождения безоружного президентского парохода «Ривер Куин», в каковом качестве его особой обязанностью было присматривать за миссис Линкольн. Накануне моего прибытия в Сити-Пойнт состоялся грандиозный смотр части Армии Джеймса, которой тогда командовал генерал Орд. Президент выехал из Сити-Пойнта вместе с генералом Грантом верхом в сопровождении многочисленного штаба, включая капитана Барнса и миссис Орд; однако миссис Линкольн и миссис Грант следовали позади в экипаже.

Кавалькада прибыла к месту смотра милях в пяти или шести от Сити-Пойнта, обнаружила войска полностью готовыми, выстроившимися в линию, и после обычной презентации оружия Президент и его свита, за которыми следовали миссис Орд и капитан Барнс верхом на лошадях, объехали ряды и вернулись к трибуне для смотра, к которой тем временем на своем экипаже прибыли миссис Линкольн и миссис Грант, задержавшиеся из-за того, что кучер выбрал не ту дорогу. Миссис Линкольн, увидев миссис Орд и капитана Барнса, ехавших вместе со свитой, и решив, что миссис Орд выдает себя за нее, набросилась на капитана Барнса и устроила ему страшный нагоняй, а также позволила себе весьма резкие упреки в адрес миссис Орд.

Это делало положение Барнса крайне неприятным, так что он почувствовал огромное облегчение, когда его отправили со мной в Северную Каролину. «Бэт» шел очень быстро, и утром 29-го числа мы находились недалеко от мыса Хаттерас; капитан Барнс, заметив винтовое судно, выходившее из пролива Хаттерас, заставил его повернуть назад и провести нас в гавань. Мы благополучно вошли, поднялись по Памлико-Саунд в реку Ньюс, и на следующее утро — из-за какой-то неисправности в механизмах — встали на якорь примерно в семи милях ниже Нью-Берна, откуда поднялись наверх на барже капитана Барнса. Как только мы прибыли в Нью-Берн, я телеграфировал генералу Скофилду в Голдсборо о факте своего возвращения и о том, что договорился с генералом Грантом насчет изменений, необходимых при реорганизации армии, а также насчет судов, требующихся для доставки продовольствия и припасов, которые нам были нужны перед возобновлением нашего марша на север.

Эти изменения сводились к преобразованию левого крыла в отдельную армию под наименованием «Армия Джорджии» под командованием генерала Слокама, с двумя его корпусами под началом генерала Джеффа К. Дэвиса и генерала Джозефа А. Моуэра; Десятый и Двадцать третий корпуса уже составляли другую армию — «Армию Огайо» под командованием генерал-майора Скофилда, и его два корпуса находились под началом генералов Дж. Д. Кокса и А. Х. Терри. Эти изменения были необходимы, поскольку только командующие армиями могли назначать военно-полевые суды, предоставлять отставки и ведать многими другими вопросами дисциплины и администрации, которые были непреложными; однако моей главной целью было подготовить всю армию к тому, что представлялось весьма вероятным в те времена, — сражаться с армиями Ли и Джонстона вместе взятыми, если их соединение произойдет до того, как генерал Грант сможет преследовать Ли в Северной Каролине.

Генерал Джордж Х. Томас, остававшийся в Нэшвилле, был недоволен этими изменениями, поскольку два корпуса при генерале Слокаме, а именно Четырнадцатый и Двадцатый, до того момента формально оставались частью его «Армии Камберленда»; но он находился так далеко, что мне приходилось действовать наилучшим образом с теми войсками и генералами, которые фактически присутствовали. Я специально просил назначить генерала Моуэра командовать Двадцатым корпусом, поскольку считал его одним из самых смелых и лучших боевых генералов во всей армии. Его предшественник, генерал А. С. Уильямс, старший из присутствовавших командиров дивизий, успешно командовал корпусом от Атланты до Голдсборо, и замена его в тот самый момент могла показаться несправедливой; однако я был полон решимости подготовиться к отчаяннейшему и, как тогда ожидалось, последнему сражению, если оно выпадет на мою долю.

Я вернулся в Голдсборо из Нью-Берна по железной дороге вечером 30 марта и сразу же занялся реорганизацией и пополнением запасов, чтобы быть готовым выступить в поход к 10 апреля — дню, о котором было условлено с генералом Грантом.

Армия была разделена на обычные три части: правое и левое крылья и центр. Прилагаемые табличные данные покажут точный состав этих отдельных армий, которые к 10 апреля обладали следующей боеспособной численностью:

Infantry 80,968

Artillery 2,448

Cavalry 5,587

Aggregate 88,948

Total number of guns 91

Железные дороги в нашем тылу также были отремонтированы, так что припасы поступали весьма быстро как из Морхед-Сити, так и из Уилмингтона. Местность была настолько равнинной, что один паровоз мог тянуть двадцать пять и тридцать вагонов в составе поезда, а не всего десять, как это было в Теннесси и Верхней Джорджии.

К 5 апреля был достигнут такой прогресс, что я издал следующий Особый полевой приказ № 48, предписывающий время и порядок следующего марша:

[Special Field Orders, No. 48.]

HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI IN THE FIELD, GOLDSBORO', NORTH CAROLINA, April 5, 1865.

Confidential to Army Commanders, Corps Commanders, and Chiefs of Staff Departments:

The next grand objective is to place this army (with its full equipment) north of Roanoke River, facing west, with a base for supplies at Norfolk, and at Winton or Murfreesboro' on the Chowan, and in full communication with the Army of the Potomac, about Petersburg; and also to do the enemy as much harm as possible en route:

1. To accomplish this result the following general plan will be followed, or modified only by written orders from these headquarters, should events require a change:

(1.) On Monday, the 10th of April, all preparations are presumed to be complete, and the outlying detachments will be called in, or given directions to meet on the next march. All preparations will also be complete to place the railroad-stock back of Kinston on the one road, and below the Northeast Branch on the other.

(2.) On Tuesday, the 11th, the columns will draw out on their lines of march, say, about seven miles, and close up.

(3.) On Wednesday the march will begin in earnest, and will be kept up at the rate, say, of about twelve miles a day, or according to the amount of resistance. All the columns will dress to the left (which is the exposed flank), and commanders will study always to find roads by which they can, if necessary, perform a general left wheel, the wagons to be escorted to some place of security on the direct route of march. Foraging and other details may continue as heretofore, only more caution and prudence should be observed; and foragers should not go in advance of the advance-guard, but look more to our right rear for corn, bacon, and meal.

2. The left wing (Major-General Slocum commanding) will aim straight for the railroad-bridge near Smithfield; thence along up the Neuse River to the railroad-bridge over Neuse River, northeast of Raleigh (Powell's); thence to Warrenton, the general point of concentration.

The centre (Major-General Schofield commanding) will move to Whitley's Mill, ready to support the left until it is past Smithfield, when it will follow up (substantially) Little River to about Rolesville, ready at all times to move to the support of the left; after passing Tar River, to move to Warrenton.

The right wing (Major-General Howard commanding), preceded by the cavalry, will move rapidly on Pikeville and Nahunta, then swing across to Bulah to Folk's Bridge, ready to make junction with the other armies in case the enemy offers battle this side of Neuse River, about Smithfield; thence, in case of no serious opposition on the left, will work up toward Earpsboro', Andrews, B--—, and Warrenton.

The cavalry (General Kilpatrick commanding), leaving its encumbrances with the right wing, will push as though straight for Weldon, until the enemy is across Tar River, and that bridge burned; then it will deflect toward Nashville and Warrenton, keeping up communication with general headquarters.

3. As soon as the army starts, the chief-quartermaster and commissary will prepare a resupply of stores at some point on Pamlico or Albemarle Sounds, ready to be conveyed to Kinston or Winton and Murfreesboro', according to developments. As soon as they have satisfactory information that the army is north of the Roanoke, they will forthwith establish a depot at Winton, with a sub-depot at Murfreesboro'. Major-General Schofield will hold, as heretofore, Wilmington (with the bridge across Northern Branch as an outpost), Newborn (and Kinston as its outpost), and will be prepared to hold Winton and Murfreesboro' as soon as the time arrives for that move. The navy has instructions from Admiral Porter to cooperate, and any commanding officer is authorized to call on the navy for assistance and cooperation, always in writing, setting forth the reasons, of which necessarily the naval commander must be the judge.

4. The general-in-chief will be with the centre habitually, but may in person shift to either flank where his presence may be needed, leaving a staff-officer to receive reports. He requires, absolutely, a report of each army or grand detachment each night, whether any thing material has occurred or not, for often the absence of an enemy is a very important fact in military prognostication.

By order of Major-General W. T. Sherman,

L. M. DAYTON, Assistant Adjutant-General.

Но вся задача внезапно изменилась из-за известия о падении Ричмонда и Питерсберга, которое достигло нас в Голдсборо 6 апреля. Правительство Конфедерации вместе с армией Ли в спешке оставило Ричмонд, в великом беспорядке бежало в сторону Данвилла, и вся армия генерала Гранта шла по пятам в тесном преследовании. Разумеется, я предполагал, что генералу Ли удастся соединиться с генералом Джонстоном хотя бы с частью своей армии где-то перед моим фронтом. Я немедленно изменил предыдущие приказы и в назначенный день, а именно 10 апреля, приготовился двигаться прямо на Роли против армии генерала Джонстона, которая, как было известно, находилась в Смитфилде и насчитывала, по оценкам, около тридцати пяти тысяч человек. Кавалерия Уэйда Хэмптона находилась на его левом фланге впереди, а кавалерия Уиллера — на правом фланге впереди; они просто наблюдали за нами и ждали нашей инициативы. Тем временем подробности великих побед в Виргинии поступали все чаще и быстрее, и 8-го числа я получил от генерала Гранта следующее сообщение в виде шифрованной депеши:

HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES

WILSON'S STATION, April 5, 1865

Major-General SHERMAN, Goldsboro', North Carolina:

All indications now are that Lee will attempt to reach Danville with the remnant of his force. Sheridan, who was up with him last night, reports all that is left with him--horse, foot, and dragoons--at twenty thousand, much demoralized. We hope to reduce this number one-half. I will push on to Burkesville, and, if a stand is made at Danville, will, in a very few days, go there. If you can possibly do so, push on from where you are, and let us see if we cannot finish the job with Lee's and Johnston's armies. Whether it will be better for you to strike for Greensboro' or nearer to Danville, you will be better able to judge when you receive this. Rebel armies now are the only strategic points to strike at.

U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant-General.

Я немедленно ответил, что мы выступим 10-го числа, готовые преследовать Джонстона везде, куда бы он ни направился. Точно в понедельник утром, 10 апреля, армия двинулась прямо на Смитфилд: правое крыло совершило обходной маневр вправо, а левое крыло при поддержке центра двинулось по двум прямым дорогам в сторону Роли, отстоявшего на пятьдесят миль. Войска генерала Терри и генерала Килпатрика выступили со своих позиций на южном или западном берегу реки Ньюс в том же общем направлении через Кокс-Бридж. 11-го числа мы достигли Смитфилда и обнаружили, что он оставлен армией Джонстона, которая в спешке отступила на Роли, сжигая за собой мосты. Восстановление их заняло остаток дня, и в течение той же ночи я получил известие от генерала Гранта из Аппоматтокса о том, что генерал Ли сдал ему всю свою армию, о чем я тотчас же объявил войскам в приказе: