His reply was firm:
"I shall not leave Southern soil while a Confederate regiment is on it. Kirby Smith has an army of 25,000 men. He has not surrendered. General Hampton will cut his way across the Mississippi. We can lead an army of 60,000 men on the plains of Texas and fight until we get better terms than unconditional surrender."
Breckinridge was left at Washington to dispose of the small sum yet left in the Treasury and turn over to their agent the money of the Richmond banks.
Robert Toombs lived in Washington. General Reagan called on the distinguished leader.
He invited his guest into his library and closed the door.
"You have money, Reagan?"
"Enough to take me west of the Mississippi—"
"You are well mounted?"
"One of the best horses in the country."