Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1865-1869, 1865-05-05
EACrS ABDUT TEXAS.
EIEBr SMITHS corToN OPERArIoNs-wHAr GENERAL
WALLACE WAS SENT TO BROWNSVILLE FOR.
From the Cincinnati Commercial.


WALLACE WAS SENT TO BROWNSVILLE FOR.
From the Cincinnati Commercial.
w. ,a.,st arrival of General Lew Wallace in
,yasbinyton co his return from his late mission 10
Mexico and Texas furnishes proper occasion ior
stating few facts regarding affairs in that State,
which are, perhaps, not generally known. Ever
since the Inflated expedition % General Banks up
fhe Red River, the country has been periodically
visited with rumOrs and SpeculationS about the de-
tectiop OF Kirby Smith IRON the COniederacy5 the
probability OF speedy peace &c, I'll most persons
have become iHcredulOus. But 10 TINS as IN many
similar eases which will be recalled TO mind, these
treuuent and persistent eruptiOnS OF rumorS de-
ponstrated that there an Cnder-current OF
truth, OF which all these we're ly surface indlca-
lions ONLY few facts were positively Known,
even 10 the best informed, and as the time was not
vet ripe for divulgng them, much Wild and random
conjecture was sent adritt, darkening the public
understanding.
I'm regard to Kirby Smiths speculations in cot
tom a time has now arrived when they may be SpO-
zen of with more freedom than regard for the
public interest has heretofore permitted. 1t has
besn perfectly understood by those who have paid
any attention TO matters IN that quarter that cot
Ton is and has been for many mouths, brought
down the Red river, through the military limos OF
10Th armies, and sold at New Orleans. Or course
tbis eould not be done without the cOnnivance Of
the rebel commanders; not without even their CO.
,.neration This extent the general knowledge had,
az, inference. no more. The exact terms OF the
contract were not discOverable. IL appears that GER
tain we'll known business man Whose name ana resi-
dence must for the present be withheld, but whose
transactions are fully known and sanctioned by the
Government,) has exclusive control Of this trade
m rebel cotton. he pays the owners Of the cotton
a fair price for the article, delivered at convenient
stations and Kirby himself receives htty dollars
in yrseubacks per bale, in consideration of IN
interrupted passage being given through his picket
lines Though this speculation pays the owners
hat is perfectly satisfactory 10 themselves, he is
eaid 10 have realized an immense fortune from his
profits In this connection, il IS well to notice the
fact that the rebel general keeps his headquarters
sIyvavs in Shreveport, on the Red River although
All danger Of a Federal attack in that quarter has
long since passed away and the centre Of interest
and activity is much nearer Galveston. 1t is not
difficult 10 assign a motive Tor this action.
Some time last winter Kirby sent message to
Washington. proposing certain terms on which it
would be agreeable 10 him 70 make an arrangement
by which his army should gradually be restored TO
status OF loyalty and the state IN its original place
IN the Union. 10 is understood that the leading
propositions made by him were, that the cotton
frsde should continue until sufficient funds were ac-
eumulated 20 pay his troops considerable amount,
If not their fu dues in greenbacks, and that they
we're then 70 be disbanded, receive the oath OF
nesty. aud 20 TO their homes. Il was expected that
many of them from force OF habit, would prefer to
continue in service, in which case they were to
nave an opportunity Of enliSting in the Federal
ranks 70 do service in Mexico, or elsewhere as
might be desired. rev things arc luOIc agreeable
60 the Texan mind than the prospect Of a war with
their old enemy, and, in addition, the Federal
bounty of $500 would enable them TO restore their
families at once 70 position Of toerable comfort.
Upon the receipt Of this proposition, Gen. Lew
Wallace sent a mission Ostensibly to Mexico.
IL will be remembered that he went TO hatsmoros on
q putative commission 10 inquire into the alleged
surrender, by the imperial Gen. Meja, Of Union
refugees from Texas into the hands Of Texas rebels
His Grand az Matamoros was brief He soon left
there and crossed over 70 Brownsville, where he
held an interview with the rebel Brig General
slaughter. Immediately alter communicating
with him, Lieutenant Colonel Wooley, Of his
staff. vas sent 10 New Orleans by special United
states despatch boat, the steamer Clinton BE came
for the purpose Of securing the services OF General
Davis. a prOminsnt Texan exile, then residing in
New Orleans. General Davis returned with him to
Brazos. General Slaughter, as an inferior officer,
mad referred General Wallace to his superior Gen.
eral Walker. commanding the District Of Texas.
Walker. unlike Slaughter and Kirby smith, was
found TO be bitterly rebeOus and intractable, and
regarded the whole matter with adherence II
wond appear that he rad Ia some manner become
apprised of the nature Of GensFal Wallaces mission,
and the Tag OF truce sent by the latter for permis-
sion 70 enter Galveston and confer VIII walker
was turned back and not allowed TO enter. here
tbe negotiations have for the present dropped. IL