The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1865-02-06
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Portland Daily Press.
FROM WASHINGTON.
The Meeting soith the Peace Con'ns'ssso''ers
= More Movements of Cen. S"er''"",s

= More Movements of GEN. S"eT"
WASHINGTON, Feb. A.
Much sunrise was occasioned this morning
by the early return of President Lincoln and
Secretary Seward, and it was not long before
many conflicting reports were circulated re-
oarding the result of their mission. The antag-
onistic positions of the two governments were
| known on the return OF Mr.. Blair from Rich
| mond. The one desiring peace ON the basis
OF unconditional submission to the Union, and
the other on the basis of separation, independ
ence and recognition. 1t was clear that the
rebels themselves did not anticipate ready
compliance with their demand, while there
was an earnest desire on the part of the Presi
dent of the United States TO do all that was
compatible with honor and public expediency
in the premises, and who evinced not title
anxiety to induce an accommodation.
1t was briefly announced by telegraph tina
President Lincoln and Secretary Seward hat
returned after conference with the rebe
commissioners, which resulted in no change
of attitude of the rebels. ead9sy 81
Private kilograms have since been received
making enquiry as to the truth of this state.
ment, because the whole truth had not been
stated with regard to the prospective and i'm
mediate results from Richmond. That tele-
gram sentover the wires this morning is reli-
able, and it was obtained from the best author
ity. No details have yet been made known,
nor is it probable that they will transpire, the
President and Secretary Seward being the
only parties present on our side, and the con-
ference being entirely informal, more in the
character of general conversation to elicit the
views of all who composed 1t, than a grave
diplomatic discussion. Beyond this whatever
may be said must be mere speculation. The
conversation did not result in any agreement
The main feature involving questions of sep
aration Of and submission Of the Union having
been left undecided, of course those of minor
character have no existence and SO the parties
separated. As far as can be ascertained moth
ing was said as to future meetings, and the
issue seems to be left precisely where it was
before the conference.
There Is no confirmation of the report cir
culating to-day that they had agreed upon a
general exchange of prisoners.
The Richmond Wing of the I'd says Gen.
Robert Z. Lee was unanimously confirmed by
the Senate yesterday as commander-in.c chief
of the armies of the Confederate States.
L. s. FIGURING, Jno. Goode, Thos. S. Bah
cock, and Jno. Baldwin of Va, and Lester of
Ga, addressed a large and enthusiastic audi
ence at the hall of the House of Delegates.
They advocated vigorous prosecution OF the
war as the surest road to an honorable peace.
Charleston, s. c., Jan. S1.-All the move
ments of the enemy indicate Augusta and
Branchville as their points of destination.
The 18th CT rps occupies Robertsyille. This
place Is about fifty miles above Savannah and
five miles from the river.
A heavy force OF infantry, cavalry and artil-
lery are encamped near the junction of the
Salkatatchie and old Union roads. This force
is believed to consist of the 18th and 10Th
army corps. F5as lsentezal 81
Yesterday morning the enemy advanced in
considerable force OF infantry and artillery
from White Point and drove in our skirmish
lines three miles to Kings Creek Our infan-
try afterwards advanced and drove the enemy
back to White Point, and re- establishing our
picket lines. Since then all has been quiet on
the Cambahee. e ~ sfaeA
The enemy mafe demonstration on our
position defending the pontoon bridge over
the Salkehatchie, but without success. 1t is
reported they burnt McPhersonville last night
five miles northwest of Pocotaligo.
a'sh 9s WASHINGTON, Feb 5.
Both Houses of Congress have agreed to
joint resolution that electoral votes OF the
States of Virginia, North Carolina, South Car.
DINA, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi,
Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas and Tennessee
shall not be counted next Wednesday for
President and Vice President of the United
States. This is placed ON the ground that
the 8th of November.
q The Daily Chronicle now says the blind
faturity which possessed the rebel leaders at
the outset of the rebellion rules them inxeora-
BILE still, and the sword ofjustice must execute
the work which the folly of blinded leaders
would not accord to the arts of pacification.
Hon. Joseph Segur will, it is understood,
present his credentials tomorrow on next day
as Senator from the State of Virginia. This
will tend to decision of the question by that
body whether that State is entitled to recog-
milton. - asAf Ase sls4
It is difficult to procure details concerning
the recent conference between the President
and Secretary Seward and the rebel commits
sioners, but it is asserted that the President
throughout the conversation insisted that he
should continue the prosecution of the war on
the principle heretofore declared, namely, of
compelling obedience to the Constitution and
on the basis of Union, and admitting peace
only on these terms. With him there was to
be no deviation from this course, SO the COM
missioners were left in no doubt whatever on
this material point. Ia
The conversation was conducted in the
courteous and respectful manner, and the
Commissioners returned to Richmond thor
Oughly understanding the views of the Presi-
dent. Therefore ii anything further is to be
said on this subject, it must come from the
rebels themselves 80 q, s5 rs
aoAs has heretofore been stated, there was no
agreement upon any point at issue. n 1t is con-
hdentiy asserted by the intimate friends OF the
President, thatno concession or promise was
made by him, in the least degree yielding his
position as above stated, and which he has in
public and private communications maintain
ed. Whatever may be the spec llations as to
peace governments in the future, it is certain
that there will be no abatement meanwhile in
our military operations, but efforts will be
made to prosecute the war with additional
vigor, 80 that our success may produce an
early peace. 7e syi.a ear sgai - das