General-in-Chief:
The enemy
surrendered this morning. The only terms allowed is their parole as prisoners
of war. This I regarded as of great advantage to us at this juncture. It saves
probably several days in the captured town; leaves troops and transports ready
for immediate service. General Sherman, with a large force, will face
immediately on Johnston and drive him from the State. I will send troops to the
relief of General Banks, and return the Ninth Corps to General Burnside.
SOURCE: The
War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and
Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 24, Part 1 (Serial No. 36), p. 44