Evansville daily journal. (Evansville, Ind.) 1863-1866, 1865-02-07


NKw YoRK, Feb. 6.-The Times s
Washington special says Mr.. Seward
/ reached Fortress Monroe in advance of
Messrs Stephens, Huntes aud Campbell
Upon the arrival Of these gentlemen
they were at once invited TO an inter
view, and informed Mr. Seward Of their
desire to proceed 20 Washington for the
purpose Of discussing the subject Of
peace with the President Mr.. Seward
informed them thztit was the Presidents s
wish that the diacussi0u should take
place at Fortress Monroe, and that he
Rad been sent to meet them At thst point
Upon that subject
The eonmissionsrs pressed With con-
siderable earnestuess for leave 10 visit
Washington, and finally alleged that
their GovernmeHt had consented to send
iheT only IN consequence of Mr.. Blair's
ass .anee that they should have a per
50 4 interview with the President Mr.
5 Sard assured them that the pledge
lould be fulfilled, and at once teie-
ltaphed tae President that his presence
was necessary.
After Mr. dneoln's arrival the con-
ference lasted four hours, and was per
fecsly friendly and good tenn mpered. On
our side the conversation was mainly
conducted By ths President On theirs
BY Mr.. Hunter, MF Stephens occasion
ally taking a part The rebel commits.
sion said nothing whatever of their per
soual views or wishes, but spoke exclu-
sively for their Government, aud At the
outset aud throughout the conference de-
ciared their entire want Of authority 10
make, receive or consider any PROPOSE
ton looking 10 the close Of the war, ex-
eept on the basis of the recognition Of
the Independence Of the Confederate
States, as 3 preliminary condition
The President presented the subject
10 them in every conceivable form, sug-
gesting the most liberal and consider
ate modification Of whatever Ia the ex-
fsting regulation and action Of the U. S.
Government that might be regarded as
especially hostile 10 the rights and inter.
ests or ~oundiug the pride Of the South.
ern people. But in no single particular
could be induce them to swerve for a
moment from their demand tor recogni-
ton. They did Eot present this con
spicuously as on their own convictions
or wisAen, bat as the condition which
their Government had made absolutely
Indispensable to any negotiations or dis
eussions shatever concerning peace.
President Lincoln, on the other hand,
informed them ct every point that such
negotiations were utterly aud totally out
Of the question: shat the United States
could stop the war and arrest, even
temporarily, the movements OF It's arm
les only on the conditions precedenl-
that the authority Of the National Gov.
erHmeut should be recognized and
obeyed over the whole territory Of The
United States. This point conceded, he
assured them that upon every other
matter Of ditfersnce they would be treat
Cd with the utmost hberality, but without
that recognition the war must aud would
90 on.
All the conversation which took place
between the respective parties came
back TO a turn upon this radical and ir.
reconeilabie difference Neither side
could be sserved hairs breadth from
its position and, therefore, the attempt
a. AAAAAkAAA HaH a AAltAfEs
Upon separating it was distinctly un-
derstood and expressly stated that the
attitude Of each Government was TO be
precisely what il would have been had
this interview never have taken place.
The Cabinet received these explanations
as complete aod satisfactory, as the feel
ing was unanimous aud earnest that the
country must arouse itself TO renewed
Efforts, and prepare TO make fresh saeri.
Gees ia the defense Of the integrity aud
the preservation Of the Government.
As yon know the source OF this dis
patch, | need not assure you that it is
perfectly reliable.
II is understood that Secretary Fes-
sendens retirement will take place ia a
few days, and it is confidently predicted,
and believe truly, that bis successor
will be from the city OF New York. In
the present condition OF the finances,
and with the certainty that the war is
now to be carried on with renewed vigor
and determination on both sides, il be-
comes question Of great importance.
Heraid's Special stale Dispatches.
NEw YoRK, Feb. 6.-The Herald's
dispatches from Thomass army say that
deserters report the remnants Of Hoods
army at Tupelo, Alabama; also that
Gen Ripley had relieved Hood Of com
mand.
1.-THE Herald has jast received by
special dIsuatch news Of the exnlogion