The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1866-04-17

1
decline under the circumstance and for the
stated and 50 ought the whole eleven. Should such an
continue 70 be excluded and kept out singular specta-
cs would be presented complete reversal Of positions
could remain safely In the Union without new guar
antses and whom they agree resume Their former
practical relations in the Union under the constitution
permit them to do 50 safely to their interest without
new guarantees their part. Tho Southern States
unisn under the Constitution, while il would be the
Northern States opposed to it, The former ds
would thereby become Unionss and the latter practical
@ win you state, not ndisposed to do co. the con-
siderations or opinions which led you TO identify yourself
with the rebellion so far AZ to accept the office of Vice
President Of the Confederate States Of America so
caleds A. believed thoroughly in the reserved
compact OF Union the constitution Of 1857 opposed
secession, therefore, as question Of policy
Of right on the partof Georgia. when the State seeded
against my Judgment and vote, thought my ultimate
allegiance due to her. and preferred to cast my
tunes and destiny with her and her people
take any other course, though might my
selfsacrce and her ruin; In accepting position under
the new order Of things my sole object was to do the
good ! could in preserving and perpetuating the
principles Of liberty esta lished under the consu-
ton OF the United States; IL the Union was
which thought very impo!tc measure, wished, If
possible TO rescue preserve and perpetuate the prn
cipes Of the constitution this without hope.
when the conflict arose. my efforts directed TO as
speedy and peaceful adjustment Of the questions
would have ultimately be settled upon constitutional
basis. founded upon the principles OF mutual con-
States on which the constitution Of the United States
was originally formed; was welded to no particular
plan of adjustment except the recognition, basis
OF the separate sovereignty of the several States with
this recognized principle; thought all other questions
Of difference ought to adjust themselves according the
best interest," peace welfare and prosperity of the whole
country, rs enlightened reason, calm Judgment and
sense Of justice might Direct this doctrine of the
~gnty OF the several States Is self adjusting, regnat
nj n.
ment, extending, possibly, over the continent.
Have your sentiments undergone any change since
the opening Of the rebellion in reference 10 the reserved
right Of the States under the constitution Of United
StaesG A. My convictions the original abstract ques
the war and tho result practical settlement Of that
question: the sword was appealed to TO decide the ques
ton and by the decision Of the sword am willing to
GOVERNOR JAMES JOHNSON, EXAMINED BY MR..
BOUTWELL,.
The condition OF public affairs Georgia my esti-
nation, is improving; our people becoming better
and better satisfied with the lapse Of time and their pas
to the Is Of N the s o o.
subjects; the provisions which are being made
by law or the protection of freedmen and Sc
some hostility manifested towards the negroes by
particularly the part Of those who owned slaves In
my Judgment few troops Of the United States should
s Sa r se for the
assist the Freedmen's Bureau while It remains; in
my judgment and opinion, T. is proper at present
judgment when the District aud Circuit Courts ITS
State and when Legislature shall have perfected
their system Of law in reference negroes then the bill
proposes TO declare and secure the civil rights Of
passed by the other branch, will dispense with the
necessity Of the presence Of the Freedmens Bureau
Of the troops Of the United Sates but until that done
think it is proper that both should be continued; I
think that II would be good policy to withdraw the black
about collsions majority OF the people are now willing
70 submit TO the constitution Of the United States and
that ws sg % ss
subiect, and willing to obey the laws, still,
as Is ys o nss.ra IN n al their political
cooperaied with them during ihe prosecution Of tho
war u those Who opposed to them; nay judg-
* p..os sss S.mony and rsconei:on = rapidly as
could be expected after such conflict Of passions and Of
ssorea before sny erss length Of time: but snmo.es
have been generated and passions have been naned
such an extent that certain localities shall still
see manifestations OF them fer some time To come;
! know both Of tho gentlemen elected TO the United
States Senate from Georgia. and have known them for
many years. Mr.. Stephens and myself were CLASSMATES
and graduated together 1t is known generally to tho
country that Mr. stephens opposed to SECESSION
pressure OF circumstances, suppose and 1 believe
because he thought 1t would bring about conflict at
after the co mmcncemcnt Of hos,iiities Mr. Johnson
his colleague In the United States Senate also opposed
TO secession; he was Douglas man, as was Mr.. Ste
phens, but like Mr. Stephens fell In with the current 10
certain extent after the commencement OF hositcs;
Mr. johnson accepted the place Of confederate State
major under the confederate government being elected
while tho war was in progress; but / have
reason TO believe that, for some time before the
termination of the conrederacy he insisted tina, nego
tatiors should be had that end might be put
strife, but his representations unheeded think
that this his present status that at present while he
may object 10 certain Congressional and administrative
measures he would submit To them, and Is well affected
towards the government. he must be satisfied,
p.fy the M al
succeed that desnics be those of nation
no the President Of the State Convention that
Gently assembled and adopted State constitution he
operated in the line o policy suggested by admins
traton for the purpose restoring the State Stephens
acted some time in that capacity and believe he
tnucd TO hold the Office until the downfall Of the
fcderacy but while that s true Of him, believe he be-
came satisfied during the that the effort
lish the confederacy would be failure, and he would
gladly have terminated the strife long before 1t
minated and IN a different manner rom which IL
terminated; he has been using his efforts get
pie to lay aside their preudccs and passions and accept
the results Of the war, and have doubt he
will do everything in his power TO restore bar.
mony throughout the whole length and breadth
Of The land in fact ! feel feel sure that lie is
extremely anxious that such q state Of things should
be brought about NJ m early day possble he
has been open advocate Of giving the freedmen their
have doubt he viii continue 70 advocate thosc
urrs; csunos positively Of the menb elect
some of them; Nc Wazferd Was brgsdser general IN
The confcderstc servc,; he Union before tho
s but sSs sumS :" public . s vas . .,rooa
that he went INTO the VAR supposc he would have
conscripted be had not done 20; my judgment no
IS web affected towards this government any
North or South; he Is WE'LL behaved man. noe all vo-
lent; General Philip Cooke another Confederat
general who elected TO tho House Of Representa-
tives; he opposed 10 the war and was
termed q cooperationist; he was violently opposed
the war; after tho commenced he Likewise fell
In with the and his lot with the war; during
the progress Of the he severely wounded several
times and finally captured he stated his position
md In oHraru rha haxr OF
him, and believe they made representations 10 the
proper department here asking for his pardon and he
was released; he came TO visit Millcdgevic after
hts release and told that he willing to CO. operate
with to carry out the wishes Of the
az Tar as he could do think he Is proper man.
withstanding he has committed errors he In a man
OF good feelings and of liberal sentiments; Mr.
Christie co-operAtionist; speak positively
about him; only speak Of him from reputation
and think he il well disposed towards the govern.