The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1865-02-02

TzE NEKx

x
DEPARTURE OF THE PEACE COMMISSION
ERs-THEY ENTER GRANTS LINxR
Vice President A. Il. Stephens, Hen.
Robert N. T. Hunter and Judge John
A. Campbell laft Petersburg On Tuesday
on their mission to Washington. During
the day . flsg Of truce Was received
from General Grant. announcing that
the commissioners would be received at
s o'clock P. n. Accordingly, At that
hour, accompanied by several prominent
citizens, these gentlemen, proceeding out
on the Baxter road, entered the enemy's
lines in front Of Wiss's brigade, Of Gene
raj Bushrod Johnson's division. They
were preceded by Captain O'Brien, Of
the Exchange Bureau, who bore the flag
of truce, and were met midway be-
tween the opposing picket lines BY seve-
raj Federal officers; among whom we're
Colonel Hancock, of General Grants
staff. The bearing Of these officers was
extremely courteous, and their reception
Of our commissioners graceful and be-
coming. They were in excellent good
humor, and seemed alive to the i'm
portance Of the occasion.
At twenty minutes to 4 o'clock, after
a short interview between the respective
parties, our flag returned, and, under the
escort Of tho Federal officers, the COM.
missioncrs were conducted down the
Baxter road to special train awaiting
them inside the cnemy's lines. 1t was
announced to them that they would be
cntertaiped at General Grants hcadquar-
tcrs on Tuesday night, and on Wednesday
morning a steamer would be in readiness
to convey them TO Washington. Aspccial
request that Mr.. Stephcns's servant
should be permitted to accompany him
was readily acquicsced in, and the negro
marched in attendance upon his master.
This step was rendered necessary in con
sequence of the delicate condition Of Mr..
Stephcns's health, constant attendant
being required, under the circumstances,
for his comfort. A detail of ten men
was made, on the part Of the enemy, to
receive and take charge of the baggage
belonging to the commissioners.
Lieutenant Colonel Hatch, assistant
commissioner Of exchange, accompanied
the commission as secretary.
The scene on the lines during the pas
sage of the commissioners was one OF
lively interest. As FAR rs the eye could
reach, to The right or the left, the breast
works were dark with men, while, in
front, the Yankees crowded on their
works, apparently eager to witness the
event. Large groups were visible here
and there in the hazy distance, viewing
the scene through their glasses, and evi~
IDENTIFY discussing the merits and pros
poets of tho commission. d
A number Of ladies' were present on
the ground, some in front Of theeworks,
some on top, and many walking and
riding in the field to the rear. Their pre-
scnce added increased interest to the oc-
casion.
During visit of Colonel Hatch and
some friends to the lines earlier in the
afternoon, to superintend the dispatch of
flag Of truce, considerable cheering was
manifested on the part Of our soldiers
and Of the enemy, who probably mig
took them for the commissioning. The
enemy is evidently pleased at this step
we have taken to secure cessation Of hos
tiiities, and would welcome peace Is Joy
fully IS we.
THE SECRETARY OF WAR.
General Breckenridge, the new Secre-
tary Of War, is now in Southwestern
Virginia. He will enter upon the dis
charge Of the duties Of Secretary Of War
on next Monday.
FILE NORTH CAROLINA COMMITTEE.
The committee Of the North Carolina
Legislature, mentioned BY us Tuesday,
had an interview with. the President on
yesterday, and leave the city this morn
ing for Raleigh. They were appointed
by the North Carolina Legislature; in
secret session, l.st Friday.
wAp nrrrrsrsrfs