Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1870-04-19
unpublished History.
The Iaterpie0 bet,0eea Mr. Lincoz. and Judge
Campbell at Richasond-Mr. Lincoln
agreed that he Legislature might meet.

agreed that The Legislature might meet.
The New York Ror1d publishes long
account of the interview between Judge John.
A Gamphel and President Lincoln, at Rich
mond, just after its evacuation by the Con-
federates. We have only room for meagre
extracts.
Mr.. Lincoln said to Judge Campbell:
General Weitzel informs me that you have
been particularly DESTROYS of seeing me? 2"
81 have remained in Richmond" replied
the Judge, "mainly for the purpose of ex-
erting what influence I could to bring this
war to an end. L believe that, if your views
as to the terms upon which peace can be had
were made clear to the Southern people, an
adjustment of all our difficulties could be eff.
fected and the war ended"
"Are you authorized to speak for Mr.. Davis
or the Southern people ?" asked Mr. Lincoln.
81 have no authority to speak for any one
but myself, and appear here wholly in my in
dividual character" was the reply.
"Have you any propositions to make p
"Not formally. have thought of the
difficulties of the present situation great
deal, and have considered several plans that
seemed feasible for effecting reconciliation.
1 think understand the desperation of the
Southern cause. I am not prepared to say
that the Confederacy can hold out longer, nor
yet am l willing to admit that it must now
necessarily collapse. But think may say
that, in view of the reverses it has recently
net with, appeal to the armies, made in the
right spirit and under suspicious circum-
stances, would be most Influential for good
You will remember, Mr. President that at
the Hampton Roads conference suggested
T.. C.
time. That suggestion was not accepted. If
you will allow me l would urge it again now.
If truce could now be proclaimed for six
months or a year, the armies he Withdrawn
and permitted temporarily to disband aud re-
turn to their homes, and the inhabitants ofthe
two sections of the country allowed to visit
and communicate with each other, and inter-
change sentiments believe it would be
virtually the end of the war. The Southern
army. l am satisfied, could never again be as.
sembled. The men sick of the war, dis
heartened with defeats, worn down with
hunger and privations and anxious to get out
of the army to better their condition. Once
out they would never return. provided any
reasonable inducements were offered them to
remain out I am persuaded, sir. that the
most gratifying results would flow from such
a truce"
Mr. Lincoln heard the Judge through with
ont interruption. though listening attentively
and respectfully to all he said When he had
concluded. the President simply said, ''IIave
you any other proposition to make ?"
Il have another. suggestion" he replied l.
1T relates mainly to Virginia and her quota
in the Southern army. 1t has occurred to me
that, even should my first suggestion be I'M
acceptable, something may yet be done through
individual State action. The Virginia troops
were enlisted only for the defence of Virginia
They are not satisfied with being marched
out of the State; but there is no authority at
present that they can recognize to call them
back 1.-THE gentlemen composing the Vir-
giua Legislature conld be assembled. I have
no doubt they would promptly pass an act re-
calling their quota from the Confederate ar
mics This authority the Virginia troops
would recognize, and, if they were not dis
charged at once, they would desert and come
home. The Legislature would. think. also
repeal the act of Secession, and put the State
back in the Union. 1t would he eminently
fitting that the same authority that put the
State out of the Union should put it back
Such course would avoid many legal COM
p!ications that must elsewise enSue and retain
unbruken tire succession Of the government
l may add, Mr.. President, that to avoid any
embarrassment that might arts, from the semi.
recognition of the existing government of this
State, implied in the permission to its Legis.
lature to assemble and carry out these specific
Objects the members might obligate them
selves to res Sn these objects are
effected, and give place to a new body, to be
elected under the United States flag.
Are there any other Southern gentlemen
of influence now in the city ?" asked the
President.
Il don't think there are any of prominence
throughout the Confedracy now here replied
the Judge.
The next day the judge, in company with
Gustavus A. Myers, visited the President,
who was the steamer Malvern, then lying at
Rockets. Mr.. Lincoln concluded this inter
view by saying: II have been considering the
question of permitting the Legislature of Vir-
ginia to assemble as you suggested yesterday.
deem exceedingly appropriate and desirable
that the same power that attempted to take
the State out Of the Union, should put it back
IF | can work the matter out satisfactorily to
my own mind, will let you know" He next
wrote to General Wetzel to protect the Leg
isature, if it should meet, until it did some
thing hostile to the government.
On going to "ashib gton ..hovvover. lie found
his Cabinet opposed to his mode Of reconstruct
ton, and he sent a telegram to Gen. Wetzel,
which closed as follows: ''Do not allow them
to assemble, but fany have come, allow them
safe return to their homes"
LoNGEv1TY.-We notice that sundry ex-
changes are giving the extreme ages of certain
of their inhabitants, with the view of estab-
fishing the salubrity of particular localities.
We are entitled to say in this matter.
There resides in the town of Warrenton an
aged couple who were born in the county of
Eaunuier and have never in life s meanderinps