serve him in any possible way."

When Reagan delivered the message to the President he responded warmly:

"That's like Toombs. He was always a whole souled man. If it were
necessary I should not hesitate to accept his offer."

He was slowly reading his wife's last letters which had been delivered
to him by scouts who were still faithful.

They were riding in a wagon with picked Mississippi teamsters twenty
miles below Washington:

"All well, with Winnie sweet and smiling. Billy plenty of laughter
and talk with the teamsters keeps quiet. Jeff is happy beyond
expression. Maggie one and two quite well.

"I have $2,500, something to sell, and have heart and a hopeful one,
but above all, my precious only love, a heartful of prayer. May God
keep you and have His sword and buckler over you. Do not try to make
a stand on this side. It is not in the people. Leave your escort
and take another road often. Alabama is full of cavalry, fresh and
earnest in pursuit. May God keep you and bring you safe to the
arms of

"Your devoted,

"Winnie."

He opened and read another:

"_My own precious Banny_:

"May God give us both patience against this heavy trial. The soldiers
are very unruly and have taken almost all the mules and horses from
the camp. Do not try to meet me. I dread the Yankees getting news
of you so much. You are the country's only hope and the very best
intentions do not advise a stand this side of the river. Why not cut
loose from your escort? Go swiftly and alone with the exception of
two or three.

"Oh, may God in His goodness keep you safe, my own. Maggie says she
has your prayer book safe. May God keep you, my old and only love,
as ever, devotedly,

"Your own,

"Winnie."

He had not seen his wife and babies since they left Richmond. The
conduct of the soldiers determined his course. He turned to Reagan:

"This move will probably cause me to be captured or killed. You are not
bound to go with me--but I must protect my family."

"I go with you, sir--" was the prompt response.

The soldiers were dismissed and the money still remaining in the
Treasury divided among them. A picked guard of ten men rode with the
fallen Chieftain in search of his loved ones.

They joined Mrs. Davis after a hard ride and found her camp threatened
by marauders. He traveled with her two days and, apparently out of