Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1865-02-10
News Of the " eek .

ne hlEullUnl DtHklltA VI -4NLAAF lt~N
says
Messrs. Alexander II Stephens. K. N. T.
Hunter. and John A. Campbell. left Rich
mond yesterday morning on their way 90
Washington 10 confer with President Lincoln
ON tie subject Of putting an end TO the war
if possible. The circumstances under which
these gentlemen have departed on the mis-
slln are understood as follows F. b.
Blair, having sought an unofficial and con-
/ tdcntlal interview with President DAVIS. de-
parted from Washington with an assurance
/ from our President that he would be willing
at any time, without any obstacle of form.
70 send agents OF commissioners 10 Washing
ton 70 confer about terms Of peace II inform
! ed in advance that said commissioners would
J b. received. On Blair's second visit 10 Rich
mond he brought the consent of Lincoln TO
receive and confer with any agents informal
" sent with view 10 restoration of peace
The three gentlemen who left yesterday
were thereupon selected by President Davis,
and have gone without formal credentials,
/ and merely as informal agents, TO see wheth-
er it be possible TO have plain conference for
peace on any basis which may serve for at
tanning so desirable a result.
Ii Is possible success may attend their
Efforts, but wisdom and prudence demand
that we indulge IN no confident expectations
on the subject, and that we relax not one
moment Of energetic preparation for the en-
suing campaign. From the choice made by
the President We NAV rest assured no means
will be left untried to effect peace if it be
possible to attain it. But ii the eminent eiti-
zcns selected for the purpose shall fail in the
attempt one good result will &C. tainly have
been reached All di-cordant coun-els on
this subject will have become reconcied. and
1t viii no longer be in the power of acJious
or timid men 10 persuade the people that
peace can he reached by any path other than
that opened for Us by stout hearts and stout
hands
On the evening Of the 9th disastrous
conf grafton rccured at savannah. destroy
Ing considerable property, but without loss
OF lite. On the morning ct the 18th. an
other fire broke out, destroying two squares
10 the third district. Buildings were torn
down TO prevent the flames from spreading,
as the east wind was blowing strong
some 6end had placed key Of powder 90 J..
side OF the arsenal corner OF York ami " .i-
ker streets, undoubtedly to blow ny the city.
a. the arsenal Contained some 80 tons Of iJN-
der. The key was placed ia the shadow 81
tree 10 avoid discovery, wiki the toy taken
of. This hcllish design is attributed 90 rel,
The Richmond Wing contains the follow
ing
MAcox. Jan. 2S.-Priyate advices from
Savannah state that Sherman commenced
moving o.. South Carolina on the 18th, with
three columns, the main column going tow
ards Charleston, takng with It nearly all bis
transportation. The other two columns are
in light marching order. and moving by sep
arate roads towards BFanchyille Cen Hill
Lac issued orders requiring all non-combat-
ants to leave Augusta.
Secretary Seward, accompanied by hls pri-
vate Secretary, arrived at Annapolis Wednes-
day morning, and Immediately left for Fort
Monroe on zen. Grants despatch steamer, I
to meet the rebel commissioners They were
met at the depot Ly Gen Berry, and escort
ed to the executive chamber, where they
were welcomed by GOV. Bradford
FIfty-three officers captured by Gen. Sher-
man. here arrived from Savannah, among
them are Gen. G. p. Hamilton large num-
Der OF Colonies, Majors, Captains, Lieuten-
ants, and several naval officers, all Of whom
have been committed 10 the Old Capital /
Prison
Alexander II. Stephens, R. NJ. T. Hunter
Judge Campbell and other Rebel Peace Com |
missioners, arrived FRIDAY. afternoon from
City Point IN Grant SPECIAL despatch steam |
er, the Mary Martin. Mr. Seward was on
board steamer River Queen waiting to re- /
ceive them. Immediately upon the arrival /