Daily State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1865-02-07
&C. &c. &c. &c.
from New YORK


iugton special says:
Mr. Seward reached Fortress Monroe 10 ad
vance OF Messrs. Stephens and Campbell. Upon
the arrival OF the gentlemen they we're invited to
an interview and informed Mr.. Sewerd Of their
desire 10 proceed 20 Washington for the purpose
of discussing the question of peace with ,he
president.
Mr.. Seward informes them that il was the
presidents wish that the discussion should take
place at Fortress Monroe and that he had been
sent to meet The commissioners at that
point.
They plead with considerable earnestness for
permission TO visit Washington. aud finally al
legged that their government had consented 10
send them on in consequence OF Mr.. Blairs as
sursnce that they should have personal inter
view with President Lincoln.
Mr.. Seward assured them that this pledge
would be fulfilled, and at once teegraphed 10
the president that his presence was necessary at
Fortress Monroe
Upon Mr. Lincolns arrival the conference
lasted four hours, and was friendly and good
tempered throughout,
On our side the conversation conducted
by the president, Mr.. Hunter and Mr. Stephens
occasionally taking part.
The rebel commissioners said nothing whatev
er of their personal views or wishes but spoke
solely and exclusively for their government At
declared their authority to make, receive or con
slider no proposition whatever. looking towards
the termination OF the war. except on a basis of
the recognition OF the independence OF the con
federate states, as preliminary condition The
president presented the subject to them in every
form, suggesting the most liberal and consider
ate modification of whatever. in the exciting lie
gislation and action OF the United States govern
ment. might be regarded as specially hostile TO
49, a.
of the southern people; but in single particu-
lar could he induce them to swerye, for A mo
ment, from thsir demand for recognition.
They did not present this conspicuously as
resting on their own convictions or wishes but
as the condition which their government had
made absolutely indispensable TO any negotiations
or discussions whatever concerning peace.
President Lincoln, on the other hand informed
them at every point that such recognition was
utterly and totally out of the question: that the
United States could stop the war and ATTEST. even
temporarily, the movement o! its armies, only on
condition that the authority OF the national gov
eminent should be recognized and obeyed over
the whole territory Of the United States. This
point conceded, he assured them that upon
every other matter of difference they would be
treated with the utmost liberslity, but without
that recognition The war must ana would go or
All the conversation which took place be
turned upon this radical aud rreconcilable differ
ence Neither side could be swerved hairs
breadth from its position, therefore the attempt
at negotiation was an utter failure.
Upon separating Il wss distinctly understood,
aud explicitly stated that the attitude Of each
gov erpment was TO be precisely what il would
have been If this Interview had never taken
>place The cabinet received these explanations
as complete and satisfactory, as the feeling was
~ sha
now arouse itself to renewed efforts aud prepare
to make fresh sacrifices in the defense Of the in
tegrty of the Union, and the preservation Of the
government
As YOU know the source OF this dispatch !
need not assure you that il is perfectly reliable
Ii is understood that Ar. Fessenden's retirement
from the treasury department will take place
within a few days, and it is confidently predicted
| believe truly that his successor will be from
the eity of New York.
/ In the present condition Of the finances aud
with the certainty that the War is now TO be car
ried on with renesed vigor and determination OF
/ both sides This becomes question OF very great
! Importance.
The Heralds dispatch from Thomas army
/ says:
Deserters report the remnant oil Hoods army
at Tuscumbia. Ala. Also that General Ripley
/ had relieved Hood in command
I ne steamer Eclipse on the way from EaStpOTt
10 Padncah, burst her boiler. and los lives were
lost besides battery Of artillery number oil
soldiers were on board. principally OF the 9th In
/ diana.
During a discussion in the rebel house of rep
resentatives on arming the slaves. Mr.. Wigfall
/ ia reply TO those wko said they we're not fighting
! for slavery. declared he Was fighting FOR slavery
and nothing else
! The Richmond Dispatch Of the 81 contains he
following:
The Yankee cavalry are moving towards
4 Frederick sburg.
! The Rich hmond Enquirer of the Sd says n large
number Of str-gglers have returned 10 Hood
aTmv
The Richmnnd Whis saws Gen Hiodui,n and
+ Mr. Fooie are on the wsy to Sonora