While these things were pending, our division was moved from the Cape Fear river to Holly Springs, on the 21st, that it might be nearer communications. When the memorandum between Sherman and Johnston was received by the cabinet at Washington, it was disapproved, and General Grant, with the following letter of instructions, was sent, in haste, to General Sherman:
"War Department,
"Washington City, April 21, 1865.
"General: The memorandum or basis agreed upon between General Sherman and General Johnston having been submitted to the President, they are disapproved. You will give notice of the disapproval to General Sherman, and direct him to resume hostilities at the earliest moment.
"The instructions given to you by the late President, Abraham Lincoln, on the 3rd of March, by my telegram of that date addressed to you, express substantially the views of President Andrew Johnson, and will be observed by General Sherman.
"A copy is herewith appended.
"The President desires that you proceed immediately to the headquarters of General Sherman, and direct operations against the enemy.
Yours truly,
"EDWIN M. STANTON,
"Secretary of War.
"To Lieutenant-General Grant."
This dispatch was received on the morning of the 24th. General Sherman instantly gave notice to Gen. Johnston as follows: "I have replies from Washington to my communication of the 18th. I am instructed to limit my operations to your immediate command, and not attempt civil negotiations. I therefore demand the surrender of your army on the same terms as were given to General Lee at Appomattox, Va., on the 9th of April, instant, purely and simply."