The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1868-04-29
Sergeant Bates at the Capitol.

Washington correspondent writes, under date of
the 18th inst follows in regard to the reception OF
Sergeant Bates at the Capitol:
Bates approached the western gates Of the Capitol
grounds, where to his SURPRISE he met by police
force, who said they were instructed not to allow him
to enter
The Sergeant bearing alof the little flag sought ad
mittance at the door, but was again stopped
by the Capitol police two of whom seized him by the
collar, and informed him be could not enter the build
ing unless be would throw down the flag. Where was
Gen. Dix, and "any man who directs the American
flag to be thrown down, shoot him at once!' Whats
difference in the exclamation. Yet the Rump Con-
gess assumed to order Sergeant Bates not to enter the
Capitol of the nation unless he threw down the flag
An application made to the Sergeant-at- Arms
Of the Senate in order to fix the responsibility for the
outrage, whereon this official passed into the Senate
chamber consult with Mr. Sumner as TO what should
be done and ascertain who would take the responsible
tY The sequel is consistent with the programme. The
Sergeant-at-Ars returned to his Office and at the de-
mand Of Mr.. Eldridge, of Wisconsin, Endorsed Gen.
Micher's order.
Permission was granted. This was handed to the
policeman, who soon disappeared, carrying with him
Micher's pass. This necessarily closed the doors OF
the building against the gallant Sergeant and his ban
ner, and the whole party turned from the Capitol in
oathing, and sought the Washington Monument,
where he unfurled the flag amid congratulations.
"Cto," the Washington correspondent of the New
Orleans Times gives the following account of Bates
interview with the Presidents:
Sergeant Bates called upon the President to-day to
perform what be considered very agreeable duty
The duty he had to deliver to the President the
kind messages for the Chief Magistrate of the nation
which he had received in the swalnps and the woods
along the stretches of pine forests through which his
and then lay, at the lonely farm house. and
in the villages cities and towns. "Tell the President"
said grayhaired man, . we are praying for him )"
say to him, said hundreds, God bless him" Many,
very many begged the Sergeant to tell the President
that their hope was that Heaven would bless Andrew
johnson in his efforts their rights in the old
Union.
At Richmond, Va, continued the Sergeant, fine
looking old lady, working passage through the crowd,
came to me as was making my way out of the city,
aud with tears coursng her cheeks, said, taking my
hand ''Tell Andrew johnson that he has the
prayers of the of Virginia for his welfare and
happiness"
Gray haired men, trembling with age, invoked upon
President johnson Heavens blessing.
Just beyond Montgomery, in Alabama, my flag
decorated with flowers and laurel wreath, by young
lady, who said to her mother, she returned to
my colors, II wish could send by Sergeant Bates
bouquet to President Johnson
They would dismiss schools to meet me, and many
of the little girls would want to kiss me and wave
my flag.
Ny rooms have been decorated with evergreens, and
in North Carolina girls srewed my way with flowers
and pinned bouquets upon my breast In passing
through North Carolina and Virginia had bouquet
in my hand every hour of the day.
| honestly believe, sir, that in every State through
which passed in my journey could raise thousand
men for the defense OF the flag as quickly as l could
anywhere in the entire Union.
have taken by the hand dozens of ex-Confederate
soldiers whose warm grasp, quiyering lips and mois
tened eyes could not lie.
hope on Monday next to leave for my home near
Edgerton, Wisconsin, where have wife and two
children. The last work did before left home was
the cutting of two cords of wood. l left tree par
TALLY cut, and want to get home to finish it,