Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1864-07-28
A MISSION TO RICHMOND.

Almost simultaneously with the telegraphic announce
mant that peace negotiations in progress at Niagara
Falls we heard that two gentlemen-Mr Edmund
Kirke (James X. Gilmore formerly of Orange and now
of Boston) and Col James F. Jaques of the Seventy
third Illinois vounteershad just returned to Washing.
ion from Richmond, whittier they by consent OF the
authorities for some purpose which is not stated Col
Jaques, who is clergyman Of the Methodist Epscopa
Church. appears to have acted principal in this enter
prise. and while having authority to speak either for
the President or Government an
Influence which secured him polite attention and respect
ul hearing With his companion he remained three days
at the rebel captal-Saurdsy Sunday and Monday Last
II is stated that the Colonel will publish an account
of this visit In the time copy what the Wash
ngton correspondent of the New York Times says oft
OF the real object and end of Col. Jaques mission.
am requested by himself not speak. 1t per-
fecty proper to state however, that il respect Off.
ca IN its character aud that he had warranty what
ever to enter into any negotiations between this Govern
men and the rebel authorities Any statement that would
convey different impression false Secondly may be-
stated that though Col Jaques results
OF the highest Importance these results ueror rather
than Immediate Finally, 1t Is warrantabe to say thai
though bis mission was one of peace, it not peace
mission Col Jaques belongs To the church militant and
believes most heartily in dealing the rebellion what Hud
that the time will come, and is rapidly coming when an
agency of reconciliation which he believes to be of i'm
mense power can be used.
Animated by this sentiment, he succeeded in so i'm
pressing his upon Mr. Lincoln that the President
without according him the smallest official recognition or
authority, willing, believing his honesty of purpose
that he should try the experiment of visit Richmond
Accordingly, he gave him personal recommendation to
Gen Grant to him through the lines, otherwise
forward his views Thus aided Col Jaaues accnm,a
MED by Mr.. Edward Krke, made his way from Gan.
Grants headquarters by the north side of the James river
and passing the rebel lines reached the Conderae osp
ta Here they remained for three dsys--Satuday sun
day, and Monday last. While 10 Richmond Col Jaoues
at his request placed under guard but he had
the entire freedom Of the city, and put up during bis visit
at the Spotswood House, the crack hotel Of Richmond
"The Colonel, during his three days stay visited the
various Confederate authorities well the priaous and
hospitals in which our capves and wounded confined
De had two prolonged interviews with President Davis
ln hs office in the customhouse and although tie nature
aud subject matter of the conversations between himself
and the rebel President not proper present pub
Gallon vet ii is understood that Col Jaaues met with
siderable success in impressng his views upon Mr. Davis,
When taking his leave Davis took the Colones hand in
both his shook warmly and cordially, and stated that
leaving out OF view the present struggle had the highest
respect for his character and aims
The Colonel while guest at the Spottswood House.
Jared sumptuousy, being fed chicken turkey mutton
and all the vands of well appointed hotel and enter
tained with fine brandes and costly wines His bill would
have amounted to than five hundred dollars in Con-
federate money but ne found it impossible induce his
entertainers TO accept any return for the hospitality had
received Col Jaques also had interviews with Mr. Ben
jamin, Secretary of State, Mr.. Oud Commissioner Of
Exchange and other Confederate dgntares and sutho-
rites.
The Colonel permitted to visit the Libby and
Belle sle PRISONS and reports that he was agreeaby dis
appointed by the comparatively comfortable condition in
which he found our Union capves therein confined The
wounded also though only the desperate cases are
retained 10 the hospitals of Richmond he found as well
cared for as could be expected.
The streets of Richmond are almost desertsd few
Others being seen than soldiers women psgroes end Grim
pies MANY OF the stores however remain open and there
is some business activity f ~ N Aoio
Coz jaques describes JEFF. Davis as hale and hearty
10 ance, his health being much better stterIy than
~ had oeen; and, though thin in face and person the
tough and Wy constitution of the rebel cheftan
40 likelihood Of his giving out during the natural life of
extraordinary though Col Jaquess story his mission
ana all belonging thereto may appear there can be no
doubt whatever OF his thorough honesty and with ths
quality he appears to be credited both by own and the
rebel authorities OF his wisdom there may possibly be-
more question"