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The story you have heard is essentially true:
On April 12, 1865, North Carolina Governor Zebulon Baird Vance sent commissioners to visit with Sherman and discuss the end of hostilities.
In response, General Sherman issued an Order that:
HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
In the Field, Gulley’s Station, April 12, 1865.
All officers and soldiers of this army are commanded to respect and protect the governor of North Carolina and the officers and servants of the State government, the mayor and civil authorities of Raleigh, provided no hostile act is committed against the officers and men of this army between this and the city.
W. T. SHERMAN, Major-General, Commanding"
After delays caused by interference from both Confederate and Union forces, the message reached Sherman.
One of Sherman's aides wrote in his memoirs that: " On the 13th, early, I entered Raleigh, and ordered the several heads of column toward Ashville in the direction of Salisbury or Charlotte. Before reaching Raleigh, a locomotive came down the road to meet me, passing through both Wade Hampton's and Kilpatrick's cavalry, bringing four gentlemen, with a letter from Governor Vance to me, asking protection for the citizens of Raleigh. These gentlemen were, of course, dreadfully excited at the dangers through which they had passed. Among them were ex-Senator Graham, Mr. Swain, president of Chapel Hill University, and a Surgeon Warren, of the Confederate army. They had come with a flag of truce, to which they were not entitled; still, in the interest of peace, I respected it, and permitted them to return to Raleigh with their locomotive, to assure the Governor and the people that the war was substantially over, and that I wanted the civil authorities to remain in the execution of their office till the pleasure of the President could be ascertained."
Harry Parker was NOT in the Governor's delegation.
HO Parker's delegation was sent from the Wake County Commissioners after the Governor's to indirectly ask that the Union troops cease their plundering by way of directly asking that the Union Amry provide food for the people of the County.
It is said that in response to that (as well as distinct awareness that Lee had surrendered, that Lincoln wanted a civil ending, and that peace was imminent), General Sherman issued the following:
SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, Numbers 66.
FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Wilder’s Plantation, N. C., April 13, 1865.
I. In compliance with instructions from superior headquarters foraging on the country will cease from this time forward, except in the manner as prescribed in orders from department headquaters, viz, by regiments or brigades. No minor parties will be allowed, and brigade commanders are directed to dismount forthwith all mounted foragers that may have hitherto been permitted in their commands. Colonel Catterson, commanding Second Brigade, will detail from his command one regiment to forage for the division, reporting to these headquarters the regiment and name of the commanding officer. During the next six days this regiment will be expected to forage at least two days’ rations for the entire division, collecting from the country wagons to transport the subsistence stores gathered in. These wagons will be turned over to the regiment succeeding that furnished by Colonel Catterson, which will also be governed by the instructions given in this order. This division forage detail will arrest any and all other foragers that may be discovered through the country belonging to this division, sending them to these headquarters under guard. The officer commanding this detail will be furnished from these headquarters with the strength of the command, and he will issue to the brigades pro rata accordingly.
... as well as Special Field Orders No. 55, “No further destruction of railroads, mills, cotton, and produce . . . without the specific orders of an army commander.” In addition, Sherman made sure that “the inhabitants will be dealt with kindly, looking to an early reconciliation.”
The delays from the various Commissions going to Sherman prompted Raleigh’s evacuation before Sherman’s reply reached the city.
On April 13, 1865 Sherman captured Raleigh.
Harry O. Parker died in 1876, the same year as both his son and grandson -- they are buried in the Parker cemetery at the back of the original farm. The location is behind the house located at 1000 Maxwell, Raleigh, NC.
Hope this is helpful.
David Parker
davidlkn@roadrunner.com 704-437-6600
David,
I am a descendant of H.O.'s brother, Willie Parker. H.O. became guardian of Willie's children when he died. I was told that H. O. was one of the citizens that went with the group of people to meet with Sherman's army to negotiate the surrender of Raleigh in April, 1865. I was wondering if you had heard this story and have any reference that would confirm the it.
Hello, David Payne Parker -
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Patricia Ross Parker, researcher, Parker Project Family Group #7