Perhaps the man most reviled and despised in the old Confederate South was General William Techumseh Sherman, whose infamous “March to the Sea” decimated southern farms and burned down everything in his army’s path. It brought out the worst instincts of some of his soldiers who willfully slaughtered civilians and farm animals, tore up rail lines and burned crops and much of the City of Atlanta to the ground.
Sherman viewed such massive destruction as simply “the costs of war” and pursued it enthusiastically as a means of wiping out any possible future threat to the Union. It was he who coined the phrase “war is Hell” and he fully intended to make it exactly that for everyone and everything in his path.
Opposing him in North Carolina in March, 1865, was Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston, one of the top commanders in the Confederate Army. He was a resourceful fighter and a leader who cared demonstrably for the well being of his troops. As Sherman approached Raleigh, Johnston’s outnumbered army pulled out and headed west towards Greensboro.
But then both Sherman and Johnston stopped everything as news reached them of the surrender of General Lee at Appomattox on April 9. Johnston realized that it was time to put a stop to the needless sacrifice of life and reached out to Sherman to discuss a peace. The two met at James Bennett’s 350-acre Durham farmstead on April 17.
What happened next was a small but extraordinary event in America’s history and it cemented a most improbable friendship between the two generals. Twenty-six years later, Johnston would be one of the pall bearers at Sherman’s funeral.
Following are the words of the Confederate soldier and historian, John S. Wise, from his memoirs and I have to share it just as he wrote it:
(From the memoirs of Confederate officer, John Wise, based on the story told him by General Johnston)
“Johnston had known Sherman earlier in the United States army. Their first interview near Durham, NC, resulted in an engagement to meet for further discussion the following day. As they were parting, Johnston remarked: "By the way, Breckenridge, our Secretary of War, is with me. He is a very able fellow, and a better lawyer than any of us. If there is no objection, I will fetch him along to-morrow."
Bristling up, General Sherman exclaimed, "Secretary of War! No, no; we don't recognize any civil government among you fellows. No, Joe, I don't want any Secretary of War."
"Well," said General Johnston, "he is also a major general in the Confederate army. Is there any objection to his presence in the capacity of major-general?"
"Oh!" quoth Sherman, in his characteristic way, "major-general! Well, any major-general you may bring, I shall be glad to meet. But recollect, Johnston, no Secretary of War. Do you understand?"*
(* For Sherman to negotiate with a Confederate cabinet member would have meant recognition of the Confederate government by the United States. So he refused.)
The next day, General Johnston, accompanied by Major-General Breckenridge and others, was at the rendezvous before Sherman.
"You know how fond of his liquor Breckenridge was?" added General Johnston, as he went on with his story. "Well, nearly everything to drink had been absorbed. For several days, Breckenridge had found it difficult, if not impossible, to procure liquor. After a while, Sherman arrived with a pair of saddlebags over his arm, and apologized for being late. Introductions followed, and for a while General Sherman made himself exceedingly agreeable. Finally, some one suggested that we had better take up the matter in hand.
'Yes,' said Sherman; 'but, gentlemen, it occurred to me that perhaps you were not overstocked with liquor, and I procured some medical stores on my way over. Will you join me before we begin work?'"
General Johnston said he watched the expression of Breckenridge at this announcement, and it was beatific. When the bottle and the glass were passed to him, he poured out a tremendous drink, which he swallowed with great satisfaction. With an air of contentment, he stroked his mustache.
Then they settled down to business, and Breckenridge never shone more brilliantly than he did in the discussions which followed. He seemed to have at his tongue's end every rule and maxim of international and constitutional law, and of the laws of war, - international wars, civil wars, and wars of rebellion.
In fact, he was so resourceful, cogent, persuasive and learned, that, at one stage of the proceedings, General Sherman pushed back his chair and exclaimed: "See here, gentlemen, who is doing this surrendering anyhow? If this thing goes on, you'll have me sending a letter of apology to Jeff Davis."
Afterward, when they were nearing the close of the conference, Sherman went to the saddlebags, and fumbled for the bottle. Breckenridge saw the movement. His eye brightened.
Sherman, perhaps unconscious of his action, poured out some liquor, shoved the bottle back into the saddle- pocket, walked to the window, and stood there, looking out abstractedly, while he sipped his grog.
From pleasant hope and expectation the expression on Breckenridge's face changed successively to uncertainty, disgust, and deep depression.
After silent reflections at the window, General Sherman bustled back, gathered up his papers, and said: "These terms are too generous, but I must hurry away before you make me sign a capitulation. I will submit them to the authorities at Washington, and let you hear how they are received." With that he bade the assembled officers adieu, took his saddlebags upon his arm, and went off as he had come.
General Johnston asked General Breckenridge how he had been impressed by Sherman.
"Sherman is a bright man, and a man of great force," replied Breckenridge, speaking with deliberation, "but, General Johnston, your General Sherman is a hog. Yes, sir, a hog. Did you see him take that drink by himself? No Kentucky gentleman would ever have taken away that bottle.”
This amusing vignette illustrates why such typically overlooked events are important for a better understanding of the bigger picture. They are why “Eat Your History” exists.
Both Johnston and Sherman were inspired to move quickly after learning of Lincoln’s assassination on April 14. Sherman generously allowed the Confederate troops to avoid becoming prisoners of war, to keep their horses and to retain citizenship in the United States —— the same terms Grant had offered Lee.
With Johnston’s surrender at Durham, following Lee’s surrender at Appomattox, the American Civil War was de facto over. Small skirmishes went on for a few more weeks but the end had arrived.
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