50 Southern Historical Society Papers.
5. This being done, all the officers and men will be permitted to return to their homes, not to be disturbed by the United States Authorities so long- as they observe their obligation and the laws in force where they may reside.
(Sgd) W. T. Sherman, Maj. Gen'l.
Com'd'g U. S. Forces in N. C.
(Sgd) J. E. Johnston, General,
Com'd'g C. S. Forces in N. C. Official,
KiNLOCH Falconer,
A. A. Gen'l.
H'd Qr's Army of Tenn.
Near Greensboro, N, C.,
April 27, 1865. General Orders, No. 18.
By the terms of a Military Convention made on the 26th inst., by Major Gen'l W. T. Sherman, U. S. A., and Gen'l J. E. Johnston, C. S. A., the officers and men of this Army are to bind themselves not to take up arms against the United States until properly relieved from that obligation, and shall receive guarantees from the United States Officers against molestation by the United States authorities, so long as they observe that obligation, and the law in force where they resided.
For these objects, duplicate muster rolls will be made im- mediately, and, after the distribution of the necessary papers, the troops will march under their officers, to their respective states, and there be disbanded, all retaining personal property.
The object of this Convention is pacification to the extent of the authority of the Commander, who made it. Events in Vir- ginia, which broke every hope of success by war, imposed on its General the duty of sparing the blood of this gallant Army,
