Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1875-03-30
A Scrap Of the Civil War History.

tory OF tne iDcipteucy OF the late civil war
Its main interest consists In the elucidation of
the fact that President LincoIn's personal de-
sire'was to prevent hostilities between the sec>
tons, and that he might. probably. have done
so but for the overwhelming pressure upon
him by political warriors spelling for fight
That he failed to resist this pressure is scarce.
lS to be wondered at under the extraordinary
Circumstances surrounding him, but Mr.. Ma
gruder's evidence of Lincoln's peace desires
is corroborative aud cumulative of what has
long of the patriotic wishes of
that singular occupant of the Presidential
chair.
Mr.. Magruder says thst in the spring of
1861, being native of Virginia but prac-
ticing law in Washington, he was commis.i
stoned by the President to go to Richmond
and request Judge George w. Summers, a
member of the Virginia convection then in
session, to visit Washington and confer with
him on matters of the highest importance;
that he had the greatest confidence in him
and ''in all those Virginians that though
they might differ from him about secession, he
believed they we're men who could be Deepen
ded on in any matter in which they pledged
their honor, and that they always kept their
word when they gave it, Judge Summers
could not leave Richmond 1.-THE time, but
sent in his stead Colonel John b Baldwin, a
leading member of the convention. On his
introduction to the President the laltsS said
~ am afraid you have come too late why do
you not adjourn the Virginia convention e
is standing menace to me which embarrAsses
me very much" Colonel Baldwin told him
that the convention was in the hands of Union
men, with a clear and controlling majority.
and that if it should adjourn, leaving
the pending question unsettled, it would leave
the Union men Of Virginia in the sttitude of
confessing inability to meet the exigences OF
the occasion, in which event another conven-
ton would be called under exclusive control
of secessi66ists, who would pass an ordinance
Of secession in less than six weeks. Uutor.
tunately at the very hour of Colonel Baldwin's
visit the President was in consultation with
the Governors of several of the Northern
States, whose voice was all for war. and whose
intensified Influence proved too strong to be
resisted by him. The fSteful Star Of the
West has been already sent on her dire mis-
sion, and the war was really begun before Col.
Baldwin reached Washington and heard the
Presidents regretful words. ", came too
contribution by Mr.. NTagruder to the history
of the civil wars incipicucy will no Doubt be
read with great interest, inasmnch as suhse
'quent events have given the incidents detailed
a rare value.
PRoPuEcY-LEAF FROM BIsToRY-"I
am sorry for your people," why 2" asked
laurens. They will lose their hnbeas cor
pas" wns the reply. close their AaJcds
corpus J" exclaimed Laurens. .tYes, said
Lord Shelbourne. I'VE purchased it with GEN.
turtles of wrsngiinr, many years of fighting,
and had it confirmed by at least fifty ac,s Of
Parliament All this taught the nation it's
value, aud it n'so 'eterained in their creed, as
the very foundation of their liberty, that no
man or party will ever dare trample on It.
Your people will attempt to pick it up and at
tempt to use it, but having cost them nothing
they will not know how to appreciate it. At
the first great Internal feud you have the ma
jori'y will tramplc on it and the people will
permit it to be done, and will go your lib
erty." Does Congress or the President know
anything of this prophecy, and are they
deavorinS to prevent CT promote its fulfill
mcnt.
TH's LOUISIANA LEGrsL4TURE.-AIac
Orleans, March 24-Gov Kellogg Tonight
issued a call for extra session Of the Leg
islature to meet in Now Orleans "Wednesday.
April II. to carry out tho adjustment The
subjects for legislation are limited nv the call
to six. viz; First, adjustment of poli, al diff
hcuities; secnnd. revenues Of the State and
modes of collection aud disbursement third,
amending of the funding bill so as t. change
the constitution of the funding board and
prevent funding of illegal obligations fourth,
the financial condition and government of the
city of New Orleans; fifth the relief of the
commerce of New Orleans from excessive port
charges and fees sixth, by request of dele
CATION of merchants to incorporate board of
trade. Gen. A. S. Badger has been appoin>
ted fiscal agent of the board of police commits
sioners.
Hon. BENJAMIN p. MART1N, AND Hon.
BENJAMIN WILsoN-With the Martiusburg
Statesman, We are pleased to observe that
bill has passed both branches of Congress,
and received the signature of the President,
refunding to Messrs. Martin and Wilson all
the costs and expenses, which they incurred
in maintaining their right to their seats in
Congress against John j. Davis, and J. Mar.
shall Hagaus This was just and proper ap
preparation of money. Each gentleman pre-,
sented an estimate of the expenses which they
incurred, and their statements were deemed
conclusive. Mr. Wilson received 81 ,Ol59l,
and Mr.. Martin received 1881. IS.
ss- The unparalleled success of the Texas
Gilt Concert Association, at Denisou, Texas,
is astonishing the people of the whole United
States, and with the many large and msguifi-
cen. Gifts, ranging from $50 600 down, be-
sides the many homes,eads, business house
and lots in tina, hourishiDg city offered in their
Enterprise, which any one may secure by the