Second. The propositions are drawn with particular reference to the Trans-Mississippi region, and to what I think is a certainty of their proving acceptable to my Government. It should be understood, therefore, that they are by no means in the nature of finalities. It would be presumption in me to undertake to announce in any manner what may be the results of negotiations sincerely conducted by parties properly empowered.

Third. I will venture to suggest that, considering the present situation, your highest present obligations are to your army, your civil authorities, and your citizens. A voluntary settlement on your part cannot, in my judgment, be hoped, unless the honor, happiness, and security of the three classes specified are guaranteed. To this end my propositions are drawn.

PROPOSITIONS.

I. That the Confederate military authorities of the Trans-Mississippi States and Territories agree voluntarily to cease opposition, armed and otherwise, to the re-establishment of the authority of the United States Government over all the region above designated.

II. The proper authorities of the United States on their part guarantee as follows:

1. That the officers and soldiers at present actually composing the Confederate Army proper, including its bona fide attachés and employés shall have, each and all of them, a full release from and against actions, prosecutions, liabilities, and legal proceedings of every kind, so far as the Government of the United States is concerned: Provided, That if any of such persons choose to remain within the limits of the United States, they shall first take an oath of allegiance to the same. If, however, they or any of them prefer to go abroad for residence in a foreign country, all such shall be at liberty to do so without obligating themselves by an oath of allegiance, taking with them their families and property, with privileges of preparation for such departure.

2. That such of said officers and soldiers as thus determine to remain in the United States shall, after taking the oath of allegiance to the United States Government, be regarded as citizens of that Government, invested as such with all the rights, privileges, and immunities now enjoyed by the most favored citizens thereof.

3. That the above guaranties shall be extended to all persons now serving as civil officers of the national and State Confederate governments within the region above mentioned, upon their complying with the conditions stated, viz, residence abroad or taking the oath of allegiance.

4. That persons now private citizens of the region named shall also be included in and receive the same guaranties upon their complying with the same conditions.

5. As respects rights of property, it is further guaranteed that there shall be no interference with existing titles, liens, &c., of whatever nature, except those derived from seizures, occupancies, and procedures of confiscation, under and by virtue of Confederate laws, orders, proclamations, and decrees, all which shall be admitted void from the beginning.

81 R R-VOL XLVIII, PT I

OPPOSITE DONALDSONVILLE, March 28, 1865.
(Received 10.30 a. m.)

Lieut. P. J. MALONEY,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General:

Another party sent in pursuit of Captain Darling returned. They say further pursuit is useless, as the rebels are too far away to be overtaken. Answer immediately whether the pursuit is to be continued. I wait in this office for answer. E. BYRNE,

Major, Eighteenth New York Cavalry.

SPECIAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERAL'S OFFICE,
No. 149.
Washington, March 28, 1865.

*

27. Capt. Horace D'B. Cutler, assistant adjutant-general, will report in person without delay to the commanding general Department of Arkansas for assignment to duty with the Second Brigade, Cavalry Division, Seventh Army Corps.

32. Capt. S. M. Cambern, assistant adjutant-general of volunteers, will report by letter to the commanding general Department of Arkansas, and in person to the commanding officer of U. S. forces at Pine Bluff, Ark., for assignment to duty.

*

By order of the Secretary of War:

E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS,

ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL,

Little Rock, March 28, 1865.

Headquarters Military Division of the Missouri:

Herewith I forward papers, 1 to 12,* which will give the major-general commanding the military division some idea of the present state of the department and what has taken place in it since I assumed command, December 22, 1864. My instructions from headquarters Military Divis ion of West Mississippi were to assign to the posts to be held defensive garrisons, including all arms, and detach all the force possible for field operations. Nearly 8,000 effective men, infantry and cavalry, have been transferred from the department-8,925 present and absent (see No. 1)-leaving it strictly on the defensive. For estimate of defensive garrisons, see Nos. 2 and 3. No. 4 gives in detail the disposition of the infantry. No. 5 gives an exhibit of the condition of the cavalry, and by which it appears that the posts have been much weakened in horses to comply with the order in No. 6. The horses therein referred to as being en route from Saint Louis have not been heard from. The Separate Brigade of cavalry (see No. 5) is entirely dismounted; it is not

* For No. 1, see Reynolds to Christensen, March 18, p. 1208; No. 2, Reynolds to Christensen, February 6, p. 756; No. 3, Reynolds to Halleck, February 8, p. 776; No. 7, Reynolds to Halleck, March 22, p. 1236; and No. 12, Reynolds to Christensen, March 18, p. 1209. Inclosures Nos. 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, and 11 are not found as such.

assigned to any post, and it is designed for a movable force if it can be mounted. The proportion of artillery is considered ample for the present strength of the department if the batteries can be filled up. The mustering officers in Missouri have been authorized to muster in recruits for the batteries from that State, but as existing orders prohibit the sending of officers for recruits, we are likely to lose them unless Colonel Lothrop can take steps to have them forwarded. Attention is especially invited to No. 7, and it is respectfully requested that the application therein made for the filling up of regiments be urged by the major-general commanding the Military Division of the Missouri. Similar action is requested for the resupply of horses drawn from the department by virtue of No. 6. It is reported unofficially that there are horses at Saint Louis destined for this department, and No. 6 was evidently written with that understanding. No horses have been received. Nos. 8 to 12, inclusive, refer to matters at Fort Smith and vicinity.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. J. REYNOLDS, Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS,
Little Rock, Ark., March 28, 1865-1.15 p. m.

Brigadier-General MCGINNIS,

Mouth of White River:

Colonel Ryan, commanding at Lewisburg, telegraphs that all deserters from the rebel army east of the Mississippi River now in the TransMississippi Department are being gathered up to be sent back to their regiments, crossing the Mississippi River at Catfish Point. The majorgeneral commanding requests that you cause this information to be furnished to naval officers.

II. Col. George W. Jackson, Ninth Indiana Cavalry, is hereby assigned to the command of the cavalry forces, District of Vicksburg, through whom all reports and returns will be forwarded. He will report direct to these headquarters.

By order of Brig. Gen. M. L. Smith:

A. C. FISK, Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSOURI,

COMMANDING OFFICER CAIRO, ILL.:

March 28, 1865—4 p. m.

Please have any information, telegraphic or otherwise, that may pass through the office at Cairo, relative to the movement of General Pope down the river, suppressed.

JOS. MCC. BELL, Assistant Adjutant-General.