Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1864-07-21
PEACE MISSION OF AN ILLINOIS
COLONEL TO RICHMOND
HIS OWN HOOK.

dispatch to the Philadelphia Inquirer.]
WASHINGTON, July 2O.-This morning our
city, although having so recently resumed its
former quiet, which the invaders ruthlessly
disturbed, was again thrown into q some what
more genial excitement.
As the James river boat arrived, IL became
known that among its passengers were two
men who left Richmond only on Monday last.
To have an interview with these distin-
guished travellers was of course the desire
which Immediately possessed the anxious.
Hardly had they landed before rumor, ever
busy, telegraphed over the country that two
United States commissioners had Just returned
from Richmond after the transaction Of the
most important and official business But
The travellers neither transacted business in
Richmond OF an official or important character,
so Tar as present results are concerned.
Inc gentlemen who have thus succeeded in
visiting Richmond are Colonel James f.
Jaquess, Of the I'D Illinois regiment, and Ed.
mund Kirke, Of New York, the well.known
author. Colonel Jaquess has been in the army
almost since the beginning of the war. He is a
gentleman OF about forty five years Of age, is
pleasing in his address, although somewhat
reserved in manners.
The report that these gentlemen acted in any
Official capacity for our Government, or that
they were in any respect recognized either
here or in Richmond as agents, messengers
ENJOYS or commissioners of the United States,
IL untrue. They went upon mission perfectly
and wholly distinct from any connection with
our authorities; and, again, the object Of their
mission was not present in its nature, but Alto
get her ulterior, and dependent upon contingen-
cies which may arise hereafter.
Although il is not officially known here what
Is the precise object Of this mission, still it is
understood by those who claim to be specially
informed that IL looks to q restoration OF peace
II Is stated that Colonel Jaquess, with whom
this idea originated, proposed, nearly a year
ago, that he should be allowed to visit Rich
mond and present his views upon a reconcile.
alton to the Confederate authorities. Permis.
sion was granted him and he proceeded upon
his mission as far as Petersburg, when he re-
turned without material success, as he did not
Last week, with the permission of the Pres
Ident, Col. Jaquess lett his command in the
dem, He received from Mr.. Lincoln a letter of
personal recommendation to Gen. Grant to
pass him through the lines ana other wise for :
ward his views. In no other respect did Col.
Jaquess receive any support from the Presi-
dent, neither was there given to him, by any
of our authorities, any warrant whatever fol-
oficial negotiations. 1t was simply q private
raission OF the Colonel, with which the Presi.
dent saw no reason to interfere.
Accompanied by Edmund Kirke, the Col.
onel proceeded to Gen. Grants headquarters
to our
bank Of the James river: They found no diff
ficuity in entering the Confederate lines, and
IN fact, every courtesy was kindly extended
which they reached on Saturday last
As soon as Colonel Jaquess arrived at Rich
mond he requested that he might be place
under guard, which was done, although tn
entire freedom OF the city was Immediately ex
tended TO him.
He was assigned elegant apartments at tn
Spottswood House. the best hotel IN icnmonf
During his stay OF three days he Jared IN 70
most sumptuous manner. His table Groane
with the choicest Of the market, and tho MOI
'savofy viands were laid out In profession b
fore him. All kinds OF meats and vegetable
were served up mp In the most rechsrche styl
and brandy at sixty dollars q bottle, and wiz
Of fifty was not wanting TO complete the rici