The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1865-02-21
IMPR ESSION OF A YANKEE COMMITS
SIONER IN RICHMOND.

The New York Tribune has letter from Will
liam Cornell Jewett, giving the substance of a
conversation with General Singleton, of Illinois,
who had just returned from Richmond, and the
impressions Of that gentleman while in the Con-
federate capital. The impressions are given as
follows:
/ l. The Southern people are all anxious for
peace not because they are exhausted, or doubt
their ability TO continue the war successfully but
to spare hon-combatants, women and children, the
prlvatoDs and suferings its continuance must
multiply
2 He thinks it in the power of the North to re-
construct by offer of liberal terms-to be con-
sldered and acted upon during an armistice of six
ty days
g. The South will not consent to reconstruction
upon any other basis than the cearest recognition
of the rights of the States respectively to deter
mine each for itself all questions of LEGAL and do
nestle government, slavery included.
4, They will not permit slavery to stand in the
way Of independence-to that it would be prompt
~ surrendered, but to nothing else-unless 1t
shoutd be a far compensation, coupled with other
liberal terms of reconstruction, secured by const
tutlonal amendments
. lie thinks they can prosecute the war indie
hnleiy, but not without great suffering and sacri-
hce, which they prepared to make rather than
submit to any terms that do not recognize their
perfect equality, and are alike honorable to both
sections.
6. He sayshe never lived better than he did 10
Richmond, SO far the substantials are concerned
that he found everything necessary for state
dinner except wine; that he was treated with
marked attention and liberaity by everybody.
When ne inquired for his hotel bill he was inform.
ed it bad been settled He thinks even the wo-
men Of the South would eht sooner than see their
husbands, sons and brothers submit to dishonor-
able relations, or dsgraceful and unequal terms of
reconciliation.
7. He had an interview with President Davis
and all the members of his Cabinet, also with Gen.
Lee; that he never heard word of Defiance or
reproach, or elimination, from any one of them, or
any person in Richmond
g. That General Lee impressed him at once with
the idea that he was in the presence of man
whose soul filled with every sentiment of
honor, religion and patriotism The subject of the
war was barely alluded to, and, in connection with
which the old man, with great earnestness and
feeling, remarked that he did not wish to leave so
cruel legacy the to his children; and while
his affections Tor his old comrades aud friends had
not abated in any degree, he had bat plain duty,
under the providence Of God, to perform, and
would be glad to be spared such necessity by a
permanent peace, only between the sections
but with all mankind.
His appointment as Generalssimo has united
the people, and inspired new confidence and life
among the army and people; and he really believes
that, such is the devotion of the people to Lee,
every man; woman and child In the Confederaoy
would follow him into the Gulf of Mexico as q re-
hgious duty, If he required it Of them.