104 Southern Historical Society Papers.
Catawba Bridge, 28th April, 1865. Hon. Jno. C. Breckinridge, Sec'y of War : My Dear Sir, — I send you a dispatch just received with instructions to deUver it without delay. I have heard nothing from General Wade Hampton except what is mentioned in the enclosed dispatch.
I have answered him at every point along the line, informing that the ferry at this point was in good order and that you had or- dered me to hold it till he (General Hampton) came, which I shall do regardless of consequences, unless relieved by your order. Yours respectfully,
Z. York, Brig. Gen'l.
The following paper was first dated 14th April, is all in pencil, and the i of 14 was changed, in ink, at the top and bottom, and made a 2. Therefore it reads as follows. I will add that the altera- tion is evidently old, and may have been made by my father, as his endorsement on the back — " Mill. Papers, April, 1865" — is the only writing in ink contained in this paper. My father likewise endorsed on the back in pencil: " Telegram from General J. E.Johnston —
ans'd."
C. R. B.
Greensboro', April 24 — 6:30 P. M. Hon. J. C. Breckinridge, Sec. War, — I have just rec'd dis- patches from Gen. Sherman informing me that instructions from Washington direct him to limit his negotiations to my comm"&nd, demanding its surrender on the terms granted to Gen. Lee, and notifying me of the termination of the truce in forty-eight hours from noon to-day. Have you (I presume he meant your — C. R. B.) instructions. We had better disband this small force to prevent devastation of country.
J. E. Johnston, General.
Hd. Ors. Gilbert's House, May 2, 1865. Major-Gen' 1 J. C. Breckinridge, Secretary of War : Sir, — For the purpose of executing the orders received from you this evening, it is necessary that I be supplied with public funds, the amount turned over to my disbursing officers having been exhausted. I respectfully request that a portion of the funds be furnished in specie, if practicable.
I have the honor to be, Gen'l, very respectfully your obt. svt. ,
Braxton Bragg, Gen'l.
