Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1865-02-08
e ebei Reports.
sIoNE;S FOR OUR LINEs-SCENEs IN
THE TWO ARMIES


sIoNERs FOR OUR LINEs-SCENEs N
THE TWO ARMIES
From the Petersburg Express, Feb. l.
Wee President A. ii. Stephens, Hon.
Robert NJ. L. Hunter, and Judge John
"A. Campbell, commissioners, who have
been tarrying in this city for two or three
days awaiting an opportunity to enter the
enemy. 5 lines, left yesterday OH their ap-
pointed mission to Washington. During
the day a flag Of truce was received from
General Grant announcing that the com
mlssioners would be received at D O'Clock
p. NJ. Accordingly at that hour, accom-
panied by several prominent citizens,
these gentlemen left the city, and pro-
ceedng Out on the Baxter road, entered
the encmy's lines in front Of Wises bri-
gade, OF General Bushrod .iohnsOn's divi-
sion. They were preceded by Captain
y Drien: OF the Exchange Bureau, who
bore the fiag Of truce, and was met mid
way between the opposing picket lines by
several federal officers, among whom
were Colonel Hancock, of Gen. Grants
staff he bearing of these officers was
extremely COURTEOUS, and their reception
OF our commissioners graceful and becom-
ING. ihey We're III excellent good humUr,
and seemed alive to the importance OF the
occasion. AT twenty minutes TO O'Clock,
after short interview between the re-
spectlVe parties, our flag returned, and,
under the escort OF the federal officers, the
commissioners were conducted down the
Baxter road TO special tram awaiting
them inside the enemy's lines It was
announced to them that they would be
entertained at General Grants heatiouar-
tiers last night, and that this morning a
steamer would be in readiness to clnyev
them to Washington \ special request
that Mr.. Stephens servant should be
permitted To accompany him was readily
acqniesced in, and the negro marched in
attendance upon his master This step
WAS rendered necessary in consequence
OF the deiIcate condition of Mr.. Stephens's
health, a constant attendant being re-
quircd, under the circumstances, for his
comfort. y detail OF ten men WAS made.
on the part OF the enemy, 10 receive and
take Charge ot the baggage belonging 10
The commissioners. Lieutenant Colonel
Hatch, assistant commissioner of ex-
changc, accompanied the commission as
secretary. The scene on the lines during
the passage OF our commissioners was one
0! lively interest AS far as the eye
could reach, to the right or left, the
breastwOrks were dark with men, while
in front the Yankees crowded on their
I works, apparently eager to witness the
event. Large groups were visible here
AID there iii the hazy distance, viewing
the scene through their glasses, and eri-
IDENTITY discussing the merits and pros
poets Of the commission. The Baxter
road, as far as visible, was lined with
blue forms, and their front Iine of works
seemed alive with human beings. There
was no cheering or other exhibition Of
feeling on either side, no bawling across
the lines, no rude ,jesting, no display of
any kind, but perfect order was observed,
and deep quiet becoming the occasion
relgned throughout the hostile assembla-
ScS. 1t was an impressive scene. How
could 1t b" otherwise. when the bearers of
the olive branch were passing between
/ Tie gathered thousands OF combatants en-
gagged IN mortal strife. A number of
iadies were present on the ground, some
IN The front Of the works, some on top,
and many walking and riding in the field
10 the rear Their presence added in
creased interest to The occasion, and indi-
Gated that they were no idle spectators Of
me scene Daring a visit Of Colonel
Hatch and some friends to the lines, ear
i,ef III the afternoon, to supcrintend the
ulSpatch OF flag of truce. we understand
'ii'' considerable cheering was manifested
on the part of our soldiers and of the
enemy who probably mistook them for
me commissioners. The enemy is evil
Gently pleased al this step we have taken
10 secure cessation of hostilitics, and
would welcome nnaca Nc inrfnllv rs we