The President's eye pierced his General.
"Richmond is to be surrendered without a battle?"
"That depends, sir, upon conditions—"
The Confederate Chief suddenly threw his thin hands above his head and faced his stubborn sulking Commander.
"If you are not going to give battle, I'll appoint a man in your place who will—"
Before Johnston could reply the President turned on his heel, waved to Colonel Ives, mounted his horse and dashed into the city.
His Cabinet was called in hasty consultation with General Lee.
Davis turned to his counselors.
"Gentlemen, I have just held a most amazing conference with General Johnston. You were afraid he would fight beyond the Chickahominy. He has crossed the river, left its natural defenses unguarded, and has run all the way to town without pause. I have told him to fight or get out of the saddle. In my judgment he intends to back straight through the city and abandon it without a blow. We must face the situation."