Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1866-04-03

Vf'yinid-The People Desire Psace-T
Frecdmen-Mr. Lincoln and tie Proposi-
ton to EVacuate Sumter Important Reo-
elations, dc.
Mr.. Conkling, from the joint Committee
of fifteen reported to the House of Repre-
sentatiycs yesterday, large amount of evil
dence on the condition of the Southern States
The first State in order is Virginia
On February II, 1866, General Robert E.
Lee was sworn and examined:
GENERAL LEES TESTIMONY.
By Senator Howard. Where is your pres-
ent residence? Answer. Lexington, Va
Question. How long have you been in Lex.
ington? A. Since the first OF October last
nearly five months. @. Are you acquainted
with the state of feeling among what we call
secesslonists at present in Virginia toward the
federal government? A. 1 do not know that
l am. | have been living very retired, and
have had but little communication with mol
itlcians I know nothing more than from NV
observations and from such facts as have come
to my knowledge. Q. What is your opinion
iron observation among the secession people
OF that State, of the feeling towards this
government at this time? A. So lar as came
to my knowledge, do not know OF sin~le
person who either feels or contcmplates anv
resistance to the government of the United
States, or, indeed, any opposition to it. No
word has reached inc of either purpose O
From what you have observed, lis it YOUR
opinion that they are friendly towards the
government, and that they will co operate to
sustain and uphold it in future? a. he.
lieve they entirely acquiesce in the govern
ment, and so far us [ have heard any one OK
press an opinion, they are for co-opcratino
with President johnson in his policy. @
In his policy in regard to what? x His
policy i'll regard to the restoration of The
whole country. [ have heard persons with
whom have cOuversed express great conf
dence in the wisdom Of his policy OF rlstora
ton, and they seem to look forward to it as
hope OF restoration. Q. How do they feel in
regard to that portion of the people OF the
United States who have been forward and
Jealous in the pros .cution Of the war AGAINST
rebellion? A. Well L do not know. ihave
heard nobody express any opinion in regard
to It, AS said before, have net had much
communication with politicians in the coun
try, II there are any. Every one seems to be
engaged in his own affairs and in endeavoring
to restore the civil government Of the State
L have heard no expression Of sentiment to-
wards any particular portion of the country.
q. How do the secessionists feel in regard to
the payment of the Federal d-bt?
A. have never heard any one speak on
the subject; | suppose they must expect 10
pay the taxes levied by the government; |
have heard them speak in reference to the
payment OF taxes, and of their efforts to raise
money therefor, which I suppose is for their
share OF the debt; l have never heard any
one speak in opposition to the payment Of
taxes or of resistance to their payment; their
whole effort has been to try and raise money
to pay the taxes. Q, From your opinion and
! knowledge OF Inc people of Virginia would
thcyy, II the question was left to them. repu
! date and reject that debt? A. | never
heard any one speak on that subject, but
from my knowledge of the people, 1 believe
that they would be in favor of the: payment
Of all just debts. Q. DO they, in your opin>
ion, regard that as just debt? 4. | do not
know what their opinion is on that subject:
have never heard any opinion expressed
| contrary to it; indeed, as l said in the be-
ginning, have had very little discussion or
Intercourse with the people | believe the
people would pay the debts they are called
on to pay; say that from my knowledge of
the people generally. Q. Would they pay
that debt, or their portion of it, with as much
alacrIty as people ordinarily pay their taxes
to their government? 4 t do not know
that they would make any distinction between
the two. The taxes laid by the government,
SO tar as know, they are prepared to pay to
the best OF their ability. | never heard them
make any distinction. Q. What is the feel
ing of the people of Virginia towards the
payment Of the so-caed Confederate debt
\. believe, so far my opinions go-and
l have no facts to go upon-they would be
willing to pay that; too. q. You think they
would a. think they would if they had
the power and ability to do so. have never
heard any one in the State with whom have
conversed speak of repudating any debt
= suppose the Confederate debt is value
less, even in the market in Virginia? 4.
Entirely, so far as | know. l believe the
people look upon it as lost entirely never
heard any question on the subject @. Do
you rccollect when the Confederate bonds
were made payable
\. have a general recollection that tl,ey
were made payable six months after decla
ration of peace. O. Six mouths after Il ratifi
cation OF peace between the United States
and the Confederate government? A.
think they ran that way. O. So that the
bonds are not due yet by their terms? Al
suppose, unless it Is considered that there is
peace now, they are not due O. How do
the people Of the State of Virginia-the Sc
cessrOnists particularly towards the
freedmen. A. They wish to see them get on in
the world, and particularly to take up some
occupation for living, and to turn their
hands to some work. l know that efforts
have been made among the farmers near
where live, to induce them to engage for the
year at regular wages. Q. Doyou think there
is willingness on the part of their old mas
tors to give them fair wages for their labor?
\ hpliava * Tho
prefer those servants who have been living
with them before. [ have heard them ex-
press their preference for the men whom they
know who hid lirnd with tho,,, Lot.-I, III