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Kirby Smith to T.J. Sprague, May 1865 (undated)
Page 2
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It must also be conceded, on the other
hand, that they desire to maintain their
honor, with which life would lose its
attractions. As the commander of the
military forces[,] I cannot accept terms
which will purchase a certain degree
of immunity from devastation, at the
expense of the honor of its army[.]
While we do not expect to rise,
unaided, the independence of the Country,
it must be conceded that the army can
be beaten & the country overrun only
after great & expensive preparations
by the United States—affording
opportunities for the development of political combinations which it is the interest
of the United States to avoid.
If there is [to] be an object on
the one hand to avoid the devasta-
tion of our Country, it is equally
an object on the part of the United
States, to bring about the complete
pacification of the Country, & the
restoration of their authority
without cost to themselves, & without
incurring the risk of political
complications.
It is thought that a proper course
on the part of the United States
Government would accomplish this
result.
An army which is well appointed
& supplied, not immediately
threatened, & with its communications
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Kirby Smith to T.J. Sprague, May 1865 (undated). Records of the Adjutant General, General Correspondence, Archives and Information Services Division, Texas State Library and Archives Commission.