The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1865-02-15
MATTERS
Close of the Conferences.
PARTICULARS OF THE INTER
VIEW
The Interview with tlae Reb.
el Go I'M issi
and Interesting
Particulars.

NEW YORK, Feb. 6.-The Times
Washington special says MIR. Seward
reached Fortress Menroe in advance of
Messrs. Stephens, Hunter and Campbell.
Upon the arrival of these gentlemen they
were at once invited to an interview, and
informed Dir. Seward Of their desire to
proceed to Washington for the purpose of
discussing the question Of peace with the
President. Mr. Seward Informed them
that it was the Presidents wish that the
discussion should take place at fortress
Monroe, and that he bad been sent to
meet them at that point upon that subject.
The co commissioners pressed with consider
able earnestaess for leave to visit Wash
ington, and finally alleged that their Gov
ersment had consented to send them only
in consequence of Mr. Blair's assurance
that they should have personal interview
with President Lincoln. Mr.. Seward as
sured them that this pledge should be
fulfilled, and at once telegraphed to the
President that his presence was necsssa-
ry.
After Mr.. Lincoln's arrival, the GEN.
ference lasted four hours, and was perfect
y friendly and good tempered through
out On our side, the conversation was
mainly conducted by the President; on
the other, by Mr.. HUNTER MIR. Stephens
occasionally taking part. The rebel com
missieners said nothing whatever of their
personal views or wishes, but spoke sole
ly and exclusively for their Government,
and a'the outset and throughout the con-
ference, declared their entire lack of au-
thority to make, receive or consider any
proposition whatever locking toward a
close Of the war, except on the basis uf
a receenition of the independence of the
F, Confederate States as preliminary con-
| dition.
The President presented the subject
to them in every conceivable form, sug-
gesting the NEST liberal and considerate
modification OF whatever in the existing
| legislation and action Of the United 5 es
Government night be regarded as special
ly hostile to their rights and interests, and
weunding to the pride OF the Southern
people, but in no single particular could
he iRdace them to swerye for moment
from their demand for rece4n n ten. TAey
did net present this ,conspicuously as res
| ting on their eWn convictions or wishes
! out as the condition which their Govs "a
me ut had made it absolutely indispensa-
BILE to any negotiations or discussions
whatever
4 Concerning peace, President Lincoln
on the other hand, informed them at ev
cry point, that such recognition was Ut
tery and totally cut Of the question, thai
the United States could stop the war ans
arrest temporarily the movements OF it
armies, only op the condition that III,
J authority of the national Governmen
should be recognized and obsyed over tn,
J whole Territory of the United States
! This point conceded, he assured then
} that upoo every other matter Of difference
, they would be treated with the utnes
berslity, but without that recognition
, the war must and weuid go on.
J, All the conversation which teek place
J between the respective parties come bzcl
} aud turued spon this iadical and irrecon
} clibie difference Neither side could b.
} swsrved a hairs breadth from is position
ana therefore the attempt at negotiation
was an utter failure. Upon separating i
/, vas distinctly understood and cxplicitl,
stated that the attitude Of each govern
Iient was to be precisely what it woul'
} have been If this interview had never .ta
ken place The Cabinet received thei
} explanation AS complete and satisfaetor,
and the feeling was unanimous and earnes
that the country must now arouse itsel
} to renewed efforts and prepare to max
J great sacrifices in the defence of tn,
integrity of the Union and the pressrva
} tsn of the Government.