The Norfolk post. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1865-1866, 1865-06-28

collection of the matter is thar Charles
lost his head.n That settled Mr.. Hun
ter for a while.
There was little said about the fact that
an armistice would be of no benefit, I'M
less it preceded that which the North
must have, if her armies stopped from
the tide of victory, to wit: The restora-
ton of the Union and its law.
Mr.. Lincoln remarked that whatever
consequence may follow from the re-
establishment of that authority, 1t must
be accepted; but individuals, subject TO
pains and penalties under the laws OF
the United States, might rely upon
very liberal use of the powers confined
to him to remit those pains and penalties
if peace be restored.
He also stated in the above connection
that limited, as he was, by the Constltu-
ton, he could not change or impair the
power of Congress, nor abolish its laws,
nor stay the Judgment of the courts for
the Legislative and judicial power had
coequal jurisdiction with the Executive.
But he did offer all the power of mercy,
and power and influence, both as the
Chief Magistrate and as a popular party
leader, and that is a better offer than re-
bells, on the eve of destruction and ruin,
ever had before from a victorious power.
Mr.. Hunter stated that he had never
entertained any fears for his person or
life from SO mild a Government as that
of the United States. To which Mr..
Lincoln retorted that he also had felt
easy as to the rebels, but not always 50
easy about the lamp posts around WASH
ington city--a hint that he had already
done more favors for the rebels than was
exactly popular with the radical men of
his own party.
During the conference the proposed
amendments to the Constitution adopted
by Congress on the 3lst, were brought
to notice. These amendments provide
that neither slavery nor involuntary SER
vitude, except for crimes, should exist
within the United States, or any place
within its Jurisdiction, and Congress
should have power to enforce the amend
ment by appropriate legislation.
Mr.. Lincoln had almost assumed the
tone of argument, and intimated that
the States might do much better to re-
tnrn to the Union at once, than to stand
the chances of continued war and the
increasing bitterness of feeling in Con-
gress. And that the time might come
when we would cease to be an erring
people, invited back to the Union as citi-
zens. but looked upon, perhaps, as ene-
mics to be exterminated or ruined.
Mr.. Seward then remarked: " Mr..
President, it is as we'll to inform these
gentlemen that yesterday Congress acted
upon the amendment to the Constitution
abOlishing slavery"
Mr.. Lincoln stated that was true, and
suggested that there was a question as to
the right of the insurgent States to re-
turn at once and claim right to vote
upon the amendment, to which the con-
currence of two-thirds of the States was
required.
Ha stated that it would be desirable to
| have the institution of slavery abolished
by the consent of the people as soon as
p0ssible-he hoped within six years.
He also stated that four hundred millions
of dollars might be offered as compensa-
ton to the owners, and remarked =
"You would be surprised were l to give
you the names of those who favor that
Mr.. Hunter said something about the
inhumanity of leaving so many poor Ole
negroes and young children destitute by
encouraging the able-bodied negroes t6
run away, and asked what are they-the
helpless-tO do?
MIR. Lincoln said that reminded him
of an old friend in Illinois, who had 8
crop of potatoes and did not want to dig
them. So he told neighbor that he
would turn in his hogs and let them dig
them for themselves. But, said the
neighbor, the frost will soon be in the
ground, and when the soil is hard frozen,
what will they do then? To which the
worthy farmer replied, "let 'em root
Mr.. Stephens said he supposed that
was the origin of "Root hog or de-
and fair indication of the future of the
negro.
The finishing up part of the report Of
Mr.. Daviss commissioners reads thus:
OF all correspondence that preceded
the conference herein mentioned, and
leading to same, you have heretofore
been informed.
Very respectfully, your obedient SER
want,
ALEXANDER Fl. STEPHENS,
II. M. II. HUNTER,
JOHN A. CAMPBELL.
We remark now that all we know of
the correspondence above mentioned we
nave from the report of Mr.. Seward, az
MI. Davis never favored us with it.
Inc whole meeting was friendly, and
the parting cordial, as reported. Mr..
Stephens reported to Mr.. Davis that no.
thing had been done, but that nothing
was determined, and that if he relied
upon the sincerity of Mr.. Blair, the con.
ference was but a confirmation of the
desire for peace on the part of the Uni
ted States, and the way open for settle.
ment. Mr.. Davis, however, looked up-
on the proposals as insulting, and seem.
ed to have the concurrence of Mr.. Hun
ter in that view-sOmewhat. He wished
a statement to go before the public that
only insulting terms were rendered: but
the commissioners declined to make il.
on the ground that it was not true.
With some difficulty they secured the
reception ofthe brief and perfectly truth
full, but not very clear report that was
published, and Mr.. Davis put the color
ing to it, and endeavored to secure his
object of crushing the great Southern
peace party byan intlammatory dispatch
all over the country, followed by the
actual report, with the following inpe.
NOUS preface, written by himself:
EXECUTIVE OFFICE, RICHMOND. J
February 6, 1865. 7
To the Senate and House of Represent1.
tues of the Confederate States.
| / recently received written notifco-
ton which satisfied me that the Presi-
dent OF the United States was disposed to
confer formally with any official agents
| that might be sent by me- with n view IN