Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1864-11-02
INTERvTKw WITH THE PRs1DESr.

NEW YoRK, Nov. l.
The 5F5bUHSs Washington special saws:
Governor Seymour's commissioners call
ed upon the President this morning.
The we're courteously received: but on
The subject Of their mission he referred them
70 Secretary Staunton who had all the
evidence in the case.
They then proceeded to the War Office
and held long interview with the Secre-
tary. They report that they were re-
ceived much more courteously than they
expected. sss--
1t is understood that they desired that
the punishment Of Donohue and Ferry
should be made as light as possible. But
their principal pressure upon the Secretary
IS understood to have been In reference to
Col. North.
Ferry and Donohne's fate Is SEEMINGLY
Of secondary consideration.
The Secretary submitted to them such
Of the evidence as was before him, which.
1t is asid, considerably staggered theirhoue
Of an easy escape Of their friends, by its ex
tent and cleGrnesS.
He referred them to the military Court
for further particulars, and granted them
permits to go and visit the prisonersat Old
Capitol, and assured them of 8 desire 10
vindicste the most sacred rights of all the
soldiers in the field.
The three commissioners had an infar.
view with Secretary Dana. Col Foster
Captain Ellis of the Court and sundrv 9th,
or Generals.
Judge Parker was the principal spokes-
man, and urged, as a matter of policy, that
the prisoners now in confinement here
should be released. He mentioned the
great popularity and high political posi-
tion OF Colonel North in the State of New
York. He was an aid on Governor Sew
mour's stat, and enjoyed the confidence Of
men Of all parties, who would not believe
him guilty, whatever evidence might be
adduced, and only irritation and strife,
and, possibly, more serious disturbance,
would be consequent on the trial.
The Judge pressed hard TO know the
evidence in the hands Of the Judge Advo-
cate, but TO little purpose
He was shown several blanks, sworn TO
and witnessed, as having been signed with
out any signature having been inserted
which were seized in Colonel North's Office.
and others similar to the ones seized az
Baltimore. He then made the point that
the TACT that they we're found In Colonel
NOrth's Office would not convict him of a
knowledge and participation in their ex-
ecution.
The Judge Advocate Is understood 70
have replied that the fact of his guilt and
innocence was to be determined only by
trial, and he deemnd it of great Importance
to Colonel North, as well as to the Govern
ment, that it proceeds Immediately.
Judge Parker then pressed to have the
trial postponed till after the Election, but
he found the Judge Advocate equally de-
termined, and tomorrow the Court will be
occupied with preliminary examination
Of the documents seized, also of the wit
nesseS and the documents in their pos
session.
1t is evident that much proof was des-
troyed az they had thirty-siI hours notice
before they were arrested
The Commission will remain till q trial
or some definite action Is taken.
1t Is said that the finding of the Court IN
the cases Of Terry and Donohue, which
was submitted to the Secretary Of War, is
much more severe than hitherto copiec-
tursd, but the evident indifference Of the
Commissioners IS to the fate Of the Balti-
more victims is in striking contrast with
their anxiety for Col. North.