retained by the commander of the troops,
and the other to be given to an officer to be designated by General
Sherman. Each officer and man to give his individual obligation in
writing not to take up arms against the Government of the United
States until properly released from this obligation. The side-arms
of officers, and their private horses and baggage to be retained by
them.

"This being done, all the officers and men will be permitted to
return to their homes, not to be disturbed by the United States
authorities so long as they observe their obligations and the law
in force where they may reside."

Immediately on the conclusion of the definite cartel of surrender,
General Sherman issued orders for the future movements of his army. Its
work was done, and nothing remained for the greater portion of it not
required to garrison the conquered country but to return home and
disband.

The real and genuine feelings felt and expressed by the soldiers of our
army at the surrender of Johnston, the return of peace, and the fact of
their immediate march towards the homes from which they had been so
long absent, cannot be written. It caused a thrill of emotions in every
heart beyond the reach of the pen to portray.

The Eighty-sixth Illinois was still camped at Holly Springs when the
glorious news of the fall of Johnston and the order for the homeward
march was received. Every man was electrified with the great, grand and
glorious news. Horrid visions of the past no longer possessed a single
mind, but the hearty welcome, the joys and pleasures of a distant home,
and the dear, beloved friends that made it home, crowded the mind of
every one with inexpressible feelings of delight. Every man was more
nimble, more talkative and more pleasant than ever before.

Nothing could be more enlivening, more vivifying and more devoutly to
be wished than the very position in which they stood. Long and tedious
marches had lost their dread, and every one became anxious to be
homeward bound.

Bright visions of a future welcome at Peoria rose up before the minds
of all--for there we would be met by the joys of our long absent
friends, and the kind hospitality of the noble and generous-hearted
ladies of the Women's National League--ladies who justly deserve our
hearty thanks for their humane and loyal efforts to cheer and aid us in
the field and at home. Their noble deeds will ever maintain a sacred