NEAR SMITHFIELD, N. C., April 1, 1865.
General R. E. LEE:
General Morgan can be employed as Governor Watts
proposed, but I have not learned where he is. Can you arm negroes? I suggest the
first raised be used as substitutes for extra duty and detailed men. I should be
very glad to get some thousands for these objects.
J. E. JOHNSTON.
SOURCE: United States War Department. THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1880-1901.