The Norfolk post. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1865-1866, 1865-10-16
subject, but it did not exist to any great

| DuNIs, WIN WAS HOW GOuHueu W Ccoi-
gia, could not cross into South Carolina
to see her friends
The President replied he had received
letters from Mrs. Davis, but they were
not very commendable. The tone of
one of them, however, was considerably
improved; but the others were not of
character becoming one asking leniency.
Judge Wardlaw interposed by saying
she was woman of strong feeling.
\ The President replied, eyes; Isup-
pose she is woman Of strong feeling
| and temper, but there Is no intention to
persecnte her There is as much mag
nanimity and independence and noble
ness when favor is to be obtained as In
trying to put it at defiance. True mag
nanimity takes things as they are, and
when taken in a proper way, l discon-
meet them from humiliation. Nantes
tations of temper and defiance do no
good" d.
! Mr.. Huger remarked that they had a
deep consciousness of the truth of all the
President said
The President resuming, observed the
character of an individual may charac-
terize the nation, which is nothing but
an aggregate of individuals and when
a proper spirit IL manifested, all can act
harmoniously. The man who goes to
the stake is almost dignified by his bear
ing. It lifts him above humiliation.
In these cases, gentlemen, we will do
! the best we can. While there was SYM
pathy, there was public Judgment
| which must be met; but / assure you,
gentlemen, no disposition exists for per-
secution or thirst for blood. b.
Judge Wardlaw remarked that the tone
of the newspapers was more favorable
and different from what it was.
| He then asked if the President had
| seen copy of the amended Constitution
of South Carolina. 'Of course" he
said, I've accept emancipation. He
| felt perfectly satisfied that the person
and property OF the negro will be pro-
tected, and spoke Of the great difficulties
of regulating labor, and of restraining
vagrancy, etc.
The President thought many of tn,
evils would disappear II they inaugural
ed the right system. Pass laws pro
tecting the coIored men in their person
and property, and he can collect hi
debts. He knew how it was in the
South. The question, when first pre-
scented, of putting colored man on the
witness stand, made them shrug Their
shoulders. But the colored mans testi.
mony was to be taken for what it was
worth by those who examine him, and
the jury who hear it. After all, there
was not so much danger az was sup
posed Those coming out of slavery
cannot do without work. They canno
!. lie down in dissipation. They mus
work. They ought to understand tina
liberty means simply the right to worl
and to enjoy the products Of labor, ant
that the laws will protect them. Tha
J being done, and when we come to til
: period to feel that men must work o
= starye, the country will be prepared +
receive system applicable to both whit
and black-prepared to receive system
necessary to the case. A short tim,
back You could not enforce the vagran
law on the black, but you could on tn,
white man; but get the public mine
right, and you can treat both alike. lie
US get the general principles, and tn,
details and collaterals will follow.
A conversation of some length ensuet
between the President and Judge Ward
law ard w. w. Trescot as to the regula
ton of the State necessary in referenc,
to the condition of the freedmen, anC
the scopeand consequence of the circular
No. 10 and general orders No las, Adju
tant Generals Department, relative t.
abandoned lands in South Carolina anC
other Southern States. The examina.
ton of these subjects, it is understood, il
| to be continued at another interview.
The President said, we must be practi
cal and come up to surrounding circum
stances.
Judge Wardlaw, Colonel Dawkins
and Mr.. Huger all expressed to the Pres
| 81 x,snfinp hot no. tot I, a
accepted in good faith the result of the
issue which had been made; that the
people felt that the President had stood
between them and a harsh use of the
mower of the government that they
felt entire confidence in his purposes
and actions, and hoped in return to en-
title themselves to his clemency as to
their feelings and actions.
The President replied he was glad to
hear it; that whenever such mutual con-
fidence existed there would, he thought
be an open road to the restoration OF
good feeling, and prosperous condition,
and if he knew himself, and he thought
he did, he would recommend nothing
but what would advance their interests.
So far from wandering or looking for fu-
ture elevation, he must be believed
when he said he had no eye single to
such preferment. "If" he continued,
II could be instrumental in restoring
the Government to its former relations,
and see the people once more united and
happy, should feel that had more
than filled the measure OF my ambition.
If could feel that l had contributed to
this ia any degree, my heart would be
more than gratified, and my ambition
full.u .as....... ... -.t
Judge Wardlaw. Every man in
South Carolina would respond to that -
Mr.. Huger. II am sure there is on
their part no Punie faith. They deserve
your confidence, and l am sure they
will earn it," .
The President expressed himself graft
fed with what had been said by these
gentlemen.
Mr.. Dawkins remarked that all South
Carolina reposed confidence in the Presi-
dent, and that the memorial presented
by the chairman of the delegation pre-
scented the true sentiments of the peo-
pie of that State, both in regard to those
whom they wish pardoned and the feel
ing and position of South Carolina.
|
THE, RICHMOND COMMERCIAL Bull
LETINTo BE REPUBLIsHED.-Ri Richmond