New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1866-08-07
DISPATCH FROM THE PRESIDENT.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE. Washington. Aug. Z
Mr.. Davis and the News of MIR. LineoIn,s.
Death,


In BoutweII's report on behalf of the committee
appointed to convict Mr.. Davis, if possible, of
connection with the assassination of Mr.. Lincoln,
stress was laid on the evidence Of one Lewis F.
Bates, who claims to have been present when Mr.
Davis received the news of Mr.. Lincolns death
Bates's statement is given by the committee as fol
lows
1T Is not unimportant in this connection to-
quote the words used by Davis when the dispatch
of John 9. Breckinridge, announcing the assassi-
nation of President Lincoln was read by him.
Lewis F. Bates testfies that Davis remarked
Well, general, l do not know if it were to be
done at all it were better that 1t were well done;
aud if the same had been done to Andrew John
son, the beast, and Secretary Stanton, the job
would then be complete" These are the words
of man who was either grieved or surprised, but
rather the unprecedented declaration of one who
realizes that criGae that he anticipated had been
committed but in part only, at moment too
late to save cause already rendered desperate by
\ the conflicts and disasters of war;
The fellow Bates seems to be one of the same
| pack with Compbell Conoyer and company, who,-
after giving the testimony that Mr. Holt wanted >
and pocketing the money he paid them for it,
went upon the record as confessed liafs and per-
iurers. The Philadelphia Age says that Bates
| too who is Massachusetts man, now contradietsz
his former statement. But whatever he may say.
| evidence which the Age declares eoneusiEes
| wholly disproyes his statement as above " 1t ias
| in thief orm of letter, addressed to a gentleman
in Philadelphia by near relative of Distinguished
officer of the Northern army and federal office
| holder.n The writer's name is held atthe call OF
| the government! The letter i5 as follows:
1--WE have just heard of the surrender Of Gen.
Lees army. The Methodist missionary who first
| brought the news narrowly escaped the guard
house when he related it. Soon after, q cavalry
escort approached the town, headed by civilian
soon recognized as Mr.. Davis. he, stopped at the
house of Mr.. Bates, an agent of Adams Express
company, where he had beeninYited By telegraph
i was within few feet of the door when
alighted from his horse, and, ascending the steI
he made short address. Not word was sal
about Mr.. LinconIs DEATH for nothing OF itWi
then known The door of the house being locke
there was slight delay afterwards.
As he remained in this position, an agent OF
, telegraph Office passed me, carrying dl5pa
which had anticipated the arrival of Mr.. Da
, | When the envelope was opened Mr.. Davis read
note with earnest and grave concern, and tur
to gentleman, Mr.. William Johnston, stan
nearest him, he handed it to him. and renaI .
This is a very extraordinary communication
/ other word was uttered by him. As soon as II
| glanced over the gentleman inquired, Shall r,
J it to the people,? Without word of reply Is
ingly occupied with sad and serious thu me
! MFR. Davis moved on one side to m
room for the gentleman, who read a
the dispatch announcing the assasSlnf ,tior
; President Lincoln at the the theater in Jast
ton, at 10 o'clock at night, and simultaI ,aon.
l tempt upon the life of the secretary of tets
Seward Not another word was said,s nd 1
was no appearance of exultatiOn amo no a
crowd of soldiers and civilians, who's cnr
nances / regarded attentiyely all gara !
) with surprise, astOnlshnlenG OF uouoh Z ior nv
part, did not credit the dispatch. Tba'
t morning early, | went with friend tn see
J Davis, in order to thank him for a kin dness tn
7, of my family, whom he had permitte i to nas
J, lines to visit her brother, Major Gene ral
-, s. A., at that time stationed belO1 g Richm
: In the course of the conversation asIaJ
l Davis if he credited the report of tho esses
:, tion of Mr.. Lincoln. He replied qrayeIv II
usual manner, that he could no raga11d Il 4
d mere report for he had receiyadh II b. % diana,cb
! General Breckenridge who he ha reason to
:: lieVe was in communication with Con ,SbarT
l headuuarters, whence the inform at,nn was al,
i ly obtained. He said he consider cd II r. +rna
= most unfortunate occurrence Il n the Sontb
q moment when Mr.. Lincoln had exnrSass11 a ii
i sitiou TO accept or offer favorab 10 Terms " ~
;; 1t is generally acknowledge a and known
ii that nothing could be more VI like an exnras
!, Oh e%AultAtion % Or ,s sa''9aou S; than the deme
/. ana ahsuaga ol NJ. T. psss "ss n this subject
= very copttaLy y..I IAI n; pe Ph BY several who
J mate with him than /. | VT ito ,his n no
M simple act of justice to Mr.. Davis in rfranr
t his position without potic al or sa+ioi II;
U any kind, which strive to avoid i A''''1 UT