National Republican., 1885-03-28

One of the most momentous events in
modern history, one that has left as
strong an impression on the destiny OF
nations as Waterloo itself, was tho cap
ture Of Richmond, for that capture vir-
tually established tho United States as
nation, with all its vast influence rs
great power with other civilized conn
tries. 1t is useless to speculate what
would have been the result to mankind
had tho long contest terminated differ
emily, but / believe IL 10 conceded by all
reasonable men that nothing of good
could have como of
DIVIDED COLUMBIA.
It seems to me that truthful state.
ment of how Jefferson Davis received tho
dispatch from Gen. Leo in effect--that ho
was not able to maintain his lines, and
that he must retreat, would not be amiss
in the above connection, and i may say
that believe that the historians have
been mistaken in their statements on
many points relating to affairs prior to
and subsequent TO the surrender of the
stronghold Of the eonfederacy."
During January, February, and March,
1865, the people OF Richmond, who had
erst been so defiant in their bearing, and
80 perfect in their confidence of the in
ability of Con. Grant to capture the city,
began to partake of the underlined appre-
honsion Of evil which certainly pervaded
the ranks of Gen. Lees army. Tho con-
federate authorities. however, moved
heaven and earth, so to speak, to maintain
confidence among the citizens, and they
were so far successful that no general ex-
odus from the capital of the con onfederacy
occurred. In fact, where were the fright
ened ones to fly TO to find haven of rest,
q city of refuger
GEN. SHERMAN WAS COMING UP
from the south, Early had been knocked
into cocked-hat by Sheridan, south
west Virginia was being invaded, so
that Richmond seemed as safe place
as any; and, again, to leave tho city
and go into the stripped and desolated
country meant simply starvation for any
large number Of fugitives. The news Of
tho alleged burning Of Columbia, tho cap
ital Of South Carolina, by the army of Gen.
Sherman, accompanied as it was with
allegations that 1t was in revenge for the
firing on Sumter and the passage of tho
first ordinance Of secession by the state,
intensified the feeling OF apprehension
among the people Of Richmond, for, IL in
Columbia the fiat had gone forth, We pictis !
what could be expected should the hotbed
of confederate resistance be seized upon by
the conquering northern legions Moth
ing but a well-kcpt diary by ono behind
tho scenes in the confederate capital in
those latter days would give definite
idea Of
THE DIsMAY AND TERROR WHICH PRE-
VAILED.
No other city during the war was,
think, subjected to so narrowing a strain.
The alarm in Washington on the approach
of Early's army was mere bagatelle to it,
And it was not only from the enemy that
danger was feared. There was riot and
insubordination within the gates as it
were, for on several occasions mobs of
thousands, headed by women as reckless
and dangerous as the petrolenScs of the
Paris commune. had paraded the streets,
breaking into and ransacking the bake
rieB, the provision stores, and the mar
kets, and who were only dispersed when
strong force Of the military was brought
to bear upon them.
Toward the end of March, when il was
evident from the good condition of the
roads and certain ominous movements in
the federal lines that general assault
was imminent on Gen. Lees lines, the
feeling of apprehension was intensified to
absolute dismay. Whatever braggadocio
may have been INDUCED in, no reasonable
man believed for moment that Gen. Lee
could Withstand the determined assault of
his powerful adversary.
THE CONDITION OF THE CONFEDERATE
ARMY,
its disparity of 70 rec, its lack of supplies
and its deficiency in cavalry (the bulk of
the cavalry was with Wade Hampton op-
posing Gen. Sherman's advance) were
patent to all.
A few days ago the writer met with a
young la ady-the daughter of one of the
auditors of the state-now a stately matron
and mother of children who gave me some
points as to the state of affairs in Rich
mond after the receipt of the news of
Gen. Sheridan's victory at Five Forks,
which will narrate in my own way, for
have not space to
REPRODUCE HER GRAPHIC RECITAL.
That Saturday night all Richmond went
to bed feeling gloomily, assured that the
end had come. The next morning all
the churches were crowded with people,
who prayed fervently, IL they never
prayed before. st. Paul's Church was
packed and jammed. for this was tho
church attended by President Davis and
his family. He and his family were
promptly in their pew at the usual hour.
While the congregation were entering the
church the roar of battle then going on
around Petersburg was distinctly audible.
When the pastor, Rev. Mr.. Minnegerode,
arose to begin the services he scarcely
commanded the attention of his audience,
ALL EYES WERE UPON Mr.. DAvIs's
pew, where he sat, somewhat paler than
usual, but apparently calm and collected.
AT every opening of tho door Of the
oh al
turned in their seats to view the new
conner. Every countenance was strained
and anxious. Before tho services had
proceeded far the sexton was seen COM
ing down the aisle, and his countenance
and gait portrayed the excitement under
which he was laboring, and which he was
yainly endeavoring to conceal.
HE APPROACHED MIR. DAVIS,
touched him ON the shoulder, and whis-
pered few words in his ear. 1t should be
explained here that the officer with Gen.
Lees dispatch was waiting at the door. Mr..
Davis turned to his wife, spoke TO her brief
ly, and rising, walked firmly down the aisle
aud ont Of tho door, Mrs. Davis and her
children remaining in their seats. 1t is
not true, as has been stated in some ac-
counts. that booted and spuTrod officer
brought the dispatch from Gen. lee, stat
ing that he must retreat, to the president
while he was in church, and that Mr..
Davis read it there aud then left
the ediGcel When Mr.. Davis went out
the congregation, gazing fearfully at
each other, mutely inquired: "What
does it mean? What has happened ?"
Mrs. Davis was true to her "old rough
and ready" parentage. She was a daughter
of President Zachary Taylor, and success
fully banished all traces of emotion from
her countenance, although she must have
been told by her husband the direful news
he expected, Tho pastor, although eyi.
IDENTIFY nervous himself, proceeded with
the services, but when Mr.. VIM. IL. Nc.
Farland, president of one Of tho banks,
was called out by the sexton, tho tension