A dead silence followed.
The President turned in quiet dignity to Beauregard:
"And what do you say, General Beauregard?"
"I agree with what General Johnston has said," he replied.
There was no appeal from the decision of these two commanders in such an hour. The President dictated a letter to General Sherman suggesting their surrender and outlining the advantageous terms which the Northern Commander accepted.
And then the Confederate Chieftain received a message so amazing he could not at first credit its authority.
A courier from Sherman conveyed the announcement to Johnston that Davis might leave the country on a United States vessel and take whoever and whatever he pleased with him.
The answer of Jefferson Davis was characteristic.
"Please thank General Sherman for his offer and say that I can do no act which will put me under obligations to the Federal Government."
Sherman had asked Lincoln at their last interview whether he should capture Davis or let him go.