Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1865-04-14
THE EVENING STAR.
AFFAIRS IN RICHMOND

AkkkkhS IN hECHnONDs
Reesn.tIaehen-No Recognition OF the
Rebel State hat the Pres.
i6ent Said to Judge Campbell.
hr. L. l.. Grouse, Of the New York Times,
writes from Richmond Oh the 10th instant, az
follows.
i stated in my letter yesterday that Judge
Campbell had in his possession a document
written, bu,eot sIgned, by Mr.. Lincoln, 70 the
effect that the President would permit the
return hither OF Governor Smith and the rebel
Legislature of Virginia, for the purpose OF
sonfeIriHg and deciding upon the destiny Of
Virginia.
That was the version given o, the document
by Judge Campbell and his friends. did not
believe that any such thing was promised; anu
should have said so, but closed my letter IN
100 great haste 20 enlarge upon the suDlscI es-
pecIally as my information was nmiteo. To-
day i have still more reason 10 oeheVe
that Mr.. Lincoln did not IN any way
during his conference with Judge Campoeii,
on the River Queen, on Tuesday, say any
thing which would imply recognition OF
Governor Smith and his Legislature, but SIM
ply enunciated the same principles that he laid
down 70 the same gentleman az the Hampton
Roads conference, viz: That he would deal
with the people OF Virginia on the basis OF his
former proclamations and declarations, that
ON minor points very liberal terms would be
extended, and that safe conduct would be
rIyen TO any leading persons who desired to
confer at Richmond or elsewhe upon the re.
t.oration Of Virginia 70 the Union, and permits
sion night also be given TO a delegation 20 pro-
coed through our lines 10 present these terms
20 Governor Smith, the Legislature or any one
else. this is an authentic version Of i: as it
comes from our side: but there is a wide dis
crepancy between this and the statement made
by Judge Campbell a. the informal gathering
u the Wing building yesterday, and it shosld
he uBderstoo that the few gentlemen of whom
Judge Campbell is spokesman a. present are
10; the representatives of the thorough gen
nne Union element which exists here,
and which from the steadfast manner with
which IL has borne itself throughout the war
deserves to be listened to. The gentleman who
composed the meeting yesterday are those who
nave been most active IN the secession ranks
n this city. A Campbell late Assistant
Secretary of War; Joseph Mayo, Mayor of
Richmond, who not long since declared that
The city should not be surrendered while one
britR remained on another; Joseph X. Auder-
sSn. proprietor OF the Tredegar Iron Works,
man who has done immense service 20 the re-
b lion, and others OF that class. II Is no: to
he denied that I: is gratifying to see these men
acknowledge the hopelessness OF their cause:
but IL will be decidedly I'M just If such men are
listened 10 with favor while men like John
Minor Bolts are unheard. And this very
prompt movement by these men, though prob
ably sincere, is not above the suspicion Of
being intended TO exact from the President, by
an appearance OF readiness for reunion, terms
that may be decidedly unacceptable 10 the
truly loyal people here, who, in numbers,
are far greater than is generally believed a. the
North.
This question OF reconstruction in Virginia
Is likely 20 prove difficult and perhaps en-
barrassing one before all the points are Settled,
and there is not that haste about il indicated
by The early movement headed by Judge
Campbell. General Grant has done great
deal toward it within the past ten days, and is
adding 10 IL every hour. i learn tonight that
special escort has been sent into the interior 70
bring in r. NJ. T. Hunter, member of the Rich.
mond Senate, and Gen. w. Z. Wickham, who
represents the Richmond district in the Rebel
House of Representatives. How Hunter feels
know not, but learn, on undoubted author.
lty, that General Wickham Is favorably dis
posed towards the Union cause; that he fayors
m no Tnin
the basis of the abolition of slavery, AID is
most highly esteemed by the loyal men of his
district. He opposed Secession TO the last, and
though he has held commission in the
year and a-half ago he was prevailed upon TO
be candidate for Congress against James Ly.
oIs, notorious Secesslonist, and was elected
by an immense majority, without an effort
tive views. As a member of that Congress,
his action has been, as is well known at the
North, more Of negative character than 9TH |
erwise, and only q short time before the ad. |
lournment OF that body he was denounced by |
hot-headed Rebels as a reconstructionist
The meeting held yesterday, and heretofore |
four commissioners to proceed through our
lines with the terms offered by Mr.. Lincoln,
and tender them to Governor Smith and the
Legislature. these men are James r. Ander-
SON, David j. Burr, Nathaniel p. Tyler and
ii. W. Thomas.
Judge Campbell was authorized 10 accom-.
pany them, and they are to leave as soon as
they can obtain their passes probably to. NOR
row. They will have to travel fast to over.
take the fugacious Governor and his compan
Ions. / trust the readers Of the Times viii not |
AXE these statements in regard TO this recon.
ruction as the mere ratiocinations Of a letter.
writer.
The facts as given are the most reliable tina, |
can be ascertained, and nay sources of infor.
NATION are daily becoming enlarged.
ORDER BY GEN HANCOCU