The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1865-09-14
PRESIDENT JOHNSON.

u
A delegation of Southerners, headed by
distinguished Virginian, waited on the Presi-
dent on the 18th inst. The sentiments of re-
ciprocal good feelings which were uttered at
this interesting interview, assure the Southern
people that if they will but do their part in
the matter of reconstruction they may conf
IDENTITY rely upon the active cooperation of the
President in restoring TO them all their civil
and political rights in the Union The Wash
ington correspondent of the New York Daily
Neacs furnishes the following account of what
was said on the occasion:
A SOUTHERN DELEGATION WAITING ON THE
PRESIDENT.
To-day, delegation of Southerners, repre-
sentng the States of Georgia, Alabama, Mis-
slsslppl, Florida, Arkansas Virginia and Ten
nessee, and numbering so or 60 persons, called
upon the President. The Hon w. Fl. Nc
Farland, OF Virginia, addressed him on behalf
OF the visitors, saying it became his agreeable
duty to say they desired to assure him of their
personal regard and their confidence in his
purpose to administer the government upon
the highest principles of wisdom and mature
craftsmanship, confident his policy would be
earnestly sustained by the entire South, and
that devotion to the Union and free institu-
tons would ever characterize all their political
and personal acts, and it was their purpose
ever cheerfully and earnestly to support him
and his administration of the General Cav
eminent; and in making this pledge as gen
tlemen, they had right to demand full Gre
dence for their sincerity. Mr.. Mcfarland
elaborated these views, concluding with thanks
to the President for his patient attention and
disposition to give full faith to the sincerity of
those he represented Whatever might be
SAID to the contrary, the purposes and object
OF the South, he felt assured, was for restora-
lion and peace upon the basis of the union of
the States
REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT.
Inc President, In reply, expressed his sur
prise at meeting SO large a number of gentle
men from the South. He had no idea so
many persons would call on him when he con-
sented to this interview He could not COM
mand. language sufficiently to express the deep
qualification he felt at the visit, and at the
patrotlc remarks of the speaker who had Just
retired. lie spoke of his antecedent position
before the civil war he had urged his South
ern brethren to remain in the Union, and there
to contend for their Constitutional rights He
III,
lie had always been for the recognition of all
the Constitutional rights of the slave-owning
States, and believed they could have been pre-
served in the Union, if the issue had been
made in the forum instead of the field. He,
himself, had been STAKEHOLDER, but he had
made up his mind if the issue ever narrowed
itself down to the Union and slavery that
slavery must go and the Union be saved. He
had confidence IN the expressions Just uttered
OF devotion, the restoration of the Union and
professions OF loyalty, SO generally evinced,
and ne was assured that the disposition was
to aid IN building up the waste places of the
South, and restoring peace, happiness, good
will and Union. He did not believe the SEN
satlon letter writers and editors, who were en-
deavorlng to create the impression that there
exists IN the South disaffection and dissatisfac-
ton; tor the presence of so many eminent and
distinguished gentlemen, representing such
large constituency, fully disproved the fact
and gave the lie to their pestilent and malg-
nant utterances. He had confidence in the
professions of the people of the South and of
their purpose to restore the Union, upon the
principles OF the Constitution and he hoped
and believed they were ready to come up and
rally round the Union and the Constitution.
The teud existing was family quarrel, and
the ties of friendship now it was ended, he
trusted would be stronger and more enduring
than ever. The mission of this great people
was high and holy, and in the Union only
could the purpose of its people and free gov
eminent be administered.
The President referred to the existing con-
dltlon OF public affairs, and the gratifying and
patriotic evidences represented to him of an
early restoration Of fraternity between the
different sections of the Union, and the good
to follow this peaceful state of things; and, in
conclusion, expressed the hope that men
thoroughly loyal would be elected to Congress,
In order that the South might again be ad-
mitted to the councils of the nation.
The remarks of President johnson were fire.
quently interrupted by applause, and all
seemed highly gratifed by the interview
ResT The manner of General Lees appli-
cation for pardon has been stated in such
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