The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1885-07-29

slavery.
s.But Yesterday the word of Cesar might
Have stood against the world; now, lies he there,
And none so poor to do him reverence"
Not thus can any Antony speak of our de-
ceased warrior; no one may be found who
will not do him reverence. Cesar, Alexan-
der and Napoleon waged war for conquest
and to humiliate the nations opposing them;
General Grant fought only to save his coun-
try from disintegration, and when highest
in command he was most anxious for the
termination of bloodshed. When the Con-
federate Peace Commission composed of
Alexander H. Stephens, r. NJ. T. Hunter and
John A. Campbelll. stated in a letter to him
from Petersburg. January 30, 1865 their de-
sire to pass through the Federal lines and
visit President Lincoln for the purpose OF
trying to arrange terms of peace, General
Grant promptly answered their letter, say
ing: al will instruct the commanding Off
GERS of the forces near Petersburg
notifying you at what part of
the lines and the time when and
where conveyances will be ready for you.
Your letter to me has been telegraphed to
Washington for instructions. L have no
doubt that before you arrive at my head
quarters an answer will be received directing
me to comply with your request. Should a
different reply be received promise you a
safe and immediate return within your lines.
"Yours very respectfully"
Several years after this occurrence, Mr..
Stephens recounted in detail the Incl
dents of it to a number of friends The
three Commissioners arrived at General
Grants headquarters after dark on the
3lst of January, to find that no answer
had come to his telegram to Washing
ton. The next day the General repeated
the telegram, with no better result. On Feb
ruary he sent two messages calling atten-
ton to the matter. All this time, though
manifesting some Impotence, he had spoken
no wori of it. But that night he escorted
the Commissioners to a dispatch boat, where
after having seen them comfortably provided
for. he said: Gentlemen, believe Stanton
(Secretary of War; has been intercepting my
dispatches to the President. He is opposed
to any peace conference, but fears that is
your object, and that the President may
meet you. am anxious to afford any facil-
tiles for whatever may possibly lead to an
ending of this Notwithstanding bloOdshed,
and if no answer comes from Washington by
tomorrow morning 1 am going to take the
responsibility of going with you myself to
see the President"
The next morning about s o'clock the
commissioners were on the deck. The boat
was under steam, ready to move at a mo-
ments notice, as General Grant had in
structed the night before. Said Mr.. Steph-
ems: eve had been pacing the deck per-
haps an hour, when probably quarter of
mile away we saw what we took to be boy
Fastening toward us. Coming nearer we saw
that he was in run, and when still nearer
we discovered that it was none other than
General Grant himself, in short coat.
When in speaking distance he raised his
right hand and. waving piece OF paper in
a triumphant way, excla. med though al
most out of breath: It's all right, gentle
men-I have the message-from the Presi-
dent-and he is going to meet youth per-
SON. lie came on board, and, in bidding us
goodbye, said: L pray God you may be
successful in securing peace to the country "
This reference to the Hampton Roads Peace
Commission enables us to allude to the high
esteem in which Alexander H. Stephens
held General Grant. We reproduce from
''The War Between the States" (Mr. Stevens
history his impressions of the General. Be
ginning on page 596, Volume H.. we extract:
/ was never much disappointed in my life
in my previously formed opinions OF either the
personal appearance or bearings of any one about
whom have read and heard much. The dis
appointment moreover. in every respect
favorable and agreeable. l was instantly struck
with the great simplicity and naturalness OF his
manners, and the entire absence of everything
like affectation, show, even the usual military
air or mien OF men In his position. He was
plainly attired, sitting in log cabin busily writ
ing a small table, by a kerosene lamp. IL was
night when We arrived. There was nothing in
his appearance surroundings which indicated
his official rank. There were neither guards nor
aides about him. Upon Colonel Babcock's rap
ping at the door the response. "Come in" was
given by himself in loud tone of voice, and
with cadence which can never forget.
IHis conversation easy and fluent, without
the least effort or restraint. In this nothing was
so closely noticed by the point and terseness
with which he expressed whatever he said. He
did not seem either to court avoid CONVERSE
ton, but whenever he did speak, what he said was
directly to the point, and covered the whole mat
ter in a few words. i saw, before being with him