Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 24.djvu/359

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and encamped. Next morning we advanced again, and kept up lively picket skirmishing all day.

The Baltimore battery played upon the enemy'* outposts occasion- ally on two roads. In the afternoon Jackson's Battery which belongs to General Jenkins' Brigade came up, and was placed in position on the left. It worked admirably, and, covered by it, Lieu- tenant-Colonel Witclu-r, with his brave men, charged and took the enemy's outpost. At the same time, General Jenkins, with Captain Moorman's company, under command of Lieutenant Schuricht, act- ing as his escort, made a reconnoissance on the right, and obtained a pretty fair view of the enemy's position, fortifications and probable strength, and again fell back and encamped on the same ground of the previous night.

This must be regarded as very daring for such a small force to hold in check a large army, sent for the defence of their capital, so long.

The contemplated move of the present day is not known to the writer. The boys are faring sumptuously every day. This is a land of plenty, and the citizens express a willingness for them to avail themselves of their hospitalities for self-protection. More anon.

W. K.

EVACUATION ECHOES.

Assistant-Secretary of War Campbell's Interview with Mr. Lincoln.

The following letter, though it has been published several times before, will be found interesting:

RICHMOND, VA., April 7, 1865. General Joseph R. Anderson and Others, Committee, etc. :

GENTLEMEN I have had, since the evacuation of Richmond, two conversations with Mr. Lincoln, President of the United States. My object was to secure for the citizens of Richmond, and the in- habitants of the State of Virginia, who had come under the military authority of the United States, as much gentleness and forbearance as could be possibly extended.

The conversation had relation to the establishment of a govern- ment for Virginia, the requirement of oaths of allegiance from the citizens, and the terms of settlement with the United States, with the