Actually,there were two truces.The first one Johnston ordered his cavalry to remain in position close to and observe the enemy.

Regarding the paroles...At the surrender in North Carolina,a soldier did NOT have to be present to be paroled.Half of Johnston's Army had left by the time the paroles were printed and then signed ONLY by whichever ranking Confederate officer was available from his particular unit and the federal paroling officer.The men's names were simply filled in on the pre-printed form by the paroling officers.The names for the paroles came from rolls submitted by Johnston on the 30th.These included present,absent,in hospital etc. There was NO swearing allegiance ceremony or signing of individual paroles by the enlisted men and most of the junior officers.

There is obvious confusion among those today who may think their relative may have for example been present and paroled at Charlotte,NC,May 3,1865.That is simply the date and location where the parole was written.The soldier may or may not have been present to receive his already filled out parole from his unit officer.Obviously,most of the cavalry were not.

MWT