succeeding day called for renewed proof of devotion and courage, no demand was left unaswered by it by the officers of Humes' cavalry division, representing the feelings and wishes of the enlisted men of the entire division as well as their own-

Resolved, first, That since the organization of this cavalry corps we have followed Major-General Wheeler, and have always found him vigilant, active, and brave, and that during this long period, now over eighteen months, he has never been absent from his post for an hour, constantly giving his personal attention to the interests of the cause. He has been foremost in fight, in most instances even leading and directing the movements of the skirmish line, in every exigency his presence inspiring the utmost confidence on the part of all his troops.

Resolved, second, That havingseen and mixed with many other commands, we have yet to find any troops more full of confidence in the ultimate success of our struggle or more determined to faithfully discharged their duty, firmly stand to their posts and steadfastly support their cause under all difficulties and amid all hardships, than Wheeler's cavalry corps.

Resolved, third, That in regard to depredations alleged to have been committed by troops of this command, we know that no greater injury was inflicted upon the country through which we have passed than was necessarily incident to the presence of a body of troops of the same size and under the same circumstances, having to subsist solely upon the country, and that the great bulk of outrages were perpetrated by organized day after day in fighting and impeding the march of Sherman's column, and that nearly, if not quite, all of the property taken or impressed by us was taken by order of the department commander, and wouldhave fallen, as all left by us did fall, into the hands of the enemy, thereby contributing to the ability of Sherman to accomplish the object of his campaign, and all property even thus taken has been returned without a murmur upon application.

Resolved, fourth, That while we would not underrate the distinguished services rendered or detract from the merited laurels won by Lieutenant-General Hampton, we desire to say in most unmistakable terms that we entertain now, as we have always done, the most undoubded confidence in Major-General Wheeler as a man and an officer, and where he leads we will cheerfully follow.

Resolved, fifth, That a copy of this preamble and resolutions be furnished each divisions commander of this corps, and also that a copy be sent to Major-General Wheeler, and that another be forwarded through the proper channel to the War Department.

[Signed by H. M. Ashby, colonel, commanding Humes' division; James H. Lewis, lieutenant-colonel, commanding Tennessee Brigade; Baxter Smith, colonel, commanding Harrison's brigade, and 119 subordinate officers.]

[47.]

GREENSBOROUGH, April 19, 1865.

His Excellency Z. B. VANCE, Governor of North Carolina:

SIR: I have just received the letter of this date* in which you state that the troops under my command having "forcibly seized all of the property belonging to the State, from Haw River depot to this place, are now threatening to sack the cars at the shops in which are placed the archives and funds of the State treasury and State banks," and requesting permission to send the treasurer and his assistants with the property above mentioned to Raleigh, General Sherman having offered safe-guard in such cases. If application had been made, a special guard for the State property referred to would have been furnished. I order it now by telegraph. If I find reason to think the Confederate authority insufficient, I shall be unable to oppose your proposition. You will oblige me greatly by enumerating the State property seized by Confederate troops, and also by giving any information of circumstances that you may have.+

J. E. JOHNSTON.

[47.]

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*See VOL. XLVII, Part III, p. 810.

+For reply, see ibid., p. 815.

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27 R R-VOL LIII