Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1865-02-14

the Government.
You will inform them that. all propositions of
theirs not Inconsistent with the above will be CON
sidered and passed upon in spirit of sincere ber-
atty. Youwi hear all they have TO say and report
il to me.
You will not assume to definitely consummate any
thing.
Yours Sc, ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
Eckert proceeded to City Point, and sent tho fol-
lowing !elegraphc EspOrt of his mission to Lincoln;
CIrr PoixT, Va. 10 p. NJ, Feb. /, 1865.
His Eecsuency A. Lincoln, President United States:
have the honor 10 report the delivery of ysur
communication, and my letter. at four fifteen (4.lo)
this afternoon, 70 which received reply ut six
(6) r. NJ, but not Satisfactory. =
AT eight (S) p. NJ, the following note, addressed
10 Gen. Grant, was rec eiyed:
CTr POINr, Va, Feb. l. 1865.
To Lieuteaont General Grant
,Sny-SNe desire to go to Washington to confer
informally with the President, personally, in ref
eJence 10 tue matters mentioned III his letter TO
Mr.. Blair of the eighteenth (le) January ultimo,
without any personal compromise Oh any question
in the letter.
" have the permission to do so from the au
th0rities in Richmond
Very respectfully yours,
tSigned) ALExANpER H. STEPHENS.
k. NJ. L. HUNTER,
j. a. C1NPBELL.
n
they could not proceed further unless they Com
piled with the terms expressed III my letter. Tne
point Oi meeting designated III above note, would
not III my opinion, be insisted upon; think Fortress
Monroe would be acceptable. Heving complied with
my instructions, l VIII return 10 w ashington to-
morrow, unless otherwise ordered.
Tdos. T. EcEERT,
Major and A. u. G.
Lincoln says that on reading tins despatch he was
about to recall Eckert and Seward when the fol-
lowing telegram was shown him:
FROM CRY PoINr, Va, Feb. l, 1880 P. NJ.
Hon. E. NJ Stanton, Sec'y Of War
Now that the interview between Major Eckert,
under his written Instructions, and M. Stephens
and party has ended 1 will state conhdentIally but
not OiticIally to become a matter ot record that
am convinced, upon conversation with AeSsrs. Ste
lhens and Hunter, that their Intentions are good
aud their desire sincere to restore peace ana mon.
have not felt myself at liberty to express even
views OF my own Or to account for my retlcency.-
This has placed me in all awkward position, which
could have aypided by not seeing them IL the first
Instance. fear now their going back without ex-
preston from any one in authority VIII have bad
influence. AT the same time, recognize the diff
cuties in the way Oi receiving these informal COM
missioncrs at this time and do not knew what to
recommend. l am sorry, however, that Mr. Lin
coin cannot have an interview with the two named
in this despatch, ii not with ali three now within
our Ines TLeIr letter to Inc was all that the Pre-
sidepts instructions contemplated 10 secure their
sac conduct If they had used the same language to
tS,gned) US. GRsNT.
Lieut.. Gen.
This despatch changed Lincoln's purpose, as he
says, and he accordingly tslCgraphed to Grant as
follows
ssSay to the gentlemen will meet them a; Fort
ress Monroe as as can get there"
Before starting telegram received from
Grant, announcing to him that "the gentleman
have accepted the proposed terms, and will leave
for Fortress Monroe at 9.3O A. NJ, ia inst)"
Lincoln says he arrived in Hampton Roads on the
night of tho I'd, saw Seward, etc. lie also saw for
the first time the of the "Richmond gentle
men, to Eckert which the latter characterized as
unsatisfactory. 1t is as follows;
CITY >PorST, VA. Feb LIST, 1865
TkoS j. EckSt, Myor and A. d. C.:
Najor-Your note delivered by yourself this day
has been considered. In reply, we have TO sag that
we were furnished with copy of letter of Pres-
dent Lincoln to Ffancjs =. Blair, Esq, of the 18th
of jan, ut. another copy Of which is appended to
your note Our instructions are contained in a let
ter Of which the following is copy
"RIcHMoSD, Jan. %, 1855.
In conformity with the letter Of Mr. Lincoln OF which
the foregoing COPY you to proceed to Washington
city Tor informal conference with him upon the issues in
yoiye in the existing and for the purpose Of Sc
curing peace to the two countries
With great respect, y9ur o6edient servant
(signed) "JEFFERsoS DAVIS
The substantial object TO be obtained by the in
formal conference is to ascertain upon what terms
the existing war can be terminated honorably.
Our instructions contemplate personal interview
with President Lincoln aud ourselves at Washington
city, but, with explanation, we are ready TO meet
any person or persons that President Lincoln may
appoint, at such place as lac may designate. Our
earnest desire Is that just and honorable peace
may be agreed upon, and we prepared TO receive
OF submit propositions which may, possibly, lead to
the attainment OF that end
Very respectfully, yours,
(Signed) ALEX. ii. STEPHEys,
X. NJ. 4. HUNTER,
JOHS A. CAMPBELL.
He also here saw for the first time the following
note. addressed by the Richmond gentlemen to
Major Eckert;
CRY PoIST, Va. Feb. 2 1865.
Thomas z. EckeTt Major and A ID. e
MaiOr--In reply TO your verbal statement that
your Instructions did not allow you to alter the con.
ditions upon which passport conld be given to u.s.
we say that we are willing to proceed to Fortress
Monroe and there to have an informal conference
with any person or persons that President Lincoln
NAV appoint the basis of his letter TO Francis p
Blair Of the 18th of January qkimo, upon any
other terms or conditions that he may hereafter
propose not inconsistent with the principles of self
government aud popular rights, ON which our insti-
tutons are founded.
1t is our earnest wish 10 ascertain, after free
Interchange of ideas and information, upon what
principles and terms, il any, just and honorable
peace can be established without the further cti-
sion of blood, and 90 contribute utmost efforts
totaccomplish sueha result.
We think it better to add that in accep ting your
passport we are not TO he understood committing
ourselves to anything, but carry to this informal
conference the views and feelings above expressed
Very respectfully yours, &c.
(Signod) ALEXANDER ii. STEPHENS,
:. A. CAMPBELL,
X. NJ. L. HUNTER.
Lincoln concludes his report as follows:
On the morning fthe Sd the gentlemen-MesSrs.
Stanbans Hunter and Eamul oil nae aboard of