Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1889-09-01
LINC0LN'S POLICY.
HIS POSITION WITH RESPECT TO THE
RESTORATION OF VIRGINIA.
efsior stiics's Publication OF Judge Henry
w. Thomas's Testimony In
the Gold Cases.

In tho Magazine Of American HIS
tory for September there is nm article by
Major Robert Stiles, entitled "Lincoln's
Restoration Policy for Virginia-the
Truth Brought to Light"
During the years lS76-1S79 tho Major
was associated with the Attorney
raj of Virginia in the defence OF what was
known as the "Gold Cases" These
were actions brought in the Federal
Court here by the United States Govern
ment as plaintiff against Ex-Governor
William Smith and others, who had been
officers OF the Commonwealth IN April
1866. claiming of the defendants money
of the State of Virginia, which the Gov
ernor had drawn out OF the banks on the
eve of the evacuation Of Richmond ana
paid 20 those persons on account OF Their
official salaries
In the course Of the trial testimony
was given by Governor Smith and ex-
Auditor and ex-Judge Henry W. Thomas
of great historical value and I'M
portance.
That of Judge Thomas was Of special
interest as bearing upon the question
how far Mr.. Lincoln was prepared to go
and did actually 60 in putting into exc
cution his admitted views in favor OF the
immediate restoration Of the southern
States, more especially Virginia, to the
Union.
JUDGE THOMAs's INTERVIEW.
The following Is the substance OF
Judge Thomas's testimony as furnished
by him to Major Stiles:
Early in April. when it was known. after the
fail of Richmond. that Mr. Lincoln was coming
there II was deemed advisable to hold public
meeiing with the view Of expressing such views
a. would tend TO show that We were willing 20
nccept the situation. and 10 declare our purpose
% renouucc ali o. position 10 tho restoration OF
civil government under the authority Of the Gov
eminent 81 The Unitod states Inc meeting was
held in ihe room adjoining the WIG Office, and
the proceedings were published In the Richmond
pspers. -, ,,,, -,
rnysaU were appointed committee 10 confer
with The President aud submit the resolutions.
This we did. and Mr. Lincoln was much pleased
with the views presented by us
In the conversation ! had with the President
ufnn that occasion. reference was made 10 the
consequences which might ensue from the condi-
civil government the Generalization prevailing,
and our utter inability 10 control the passions
aud excited feelings Of part at least OF our
communicated ] remarked: Mr.. President
We would all be much grained II you would
fend Governor PeirpOnt here as early ~ posi-
Die. 80 that civil order may be re-esiablished.'
] recOllect Mr.. Lincolns action and utterance.
lie said he did not regard the divisicn OF virginia
a permanent and that the matter. n tested In
the courts. would he thought result In over
throwing II; that 10 could only 10 tustined As
war measure, aud therefore he did not want Mr..
Peirpont The Government that took Virginia
out IL the Government tnnt should bring her
back. aud Is the Government that alOno can
effect Il. I shall appoint committee for the
purnoSe Of summOning the Governor and the
Legislature - meet ri an early dntein Richmond
Tor hits action, AMI shall direct General Welt
zol 20 issue you passes through General Grants
lines; presume (he nd led you Will Doed none
IN passing General Lees: and shall lake care
hat you have safe conduct in the discharge OF
this duty. also those you may summon, in re-
pairing % the Capitol They must come here 10
the very pla-e they went out OF the Union %
como back: and your people viii doubtless all
return, aud we shall soon have Ola virginia back
again
gcstion that We could get tho members Of tho
existing Legislature In session without difficulty.
But no." no said. the Government that took
the state out must bring her back My impress
sion l. hat Mr.. Lincoln asked who was Governor
az tue time Of the secession Of the state ana my
reply was Lctcher. He Was the man then 10
come and to partci pate in the action Of the Le-
gslaturo. and smith. who was the present Gov
ernot, was 10 be here and ratify IL
lie proposed that messengers should be dis
patched 20 summon these gent ana, II my
memory serves me correctly. that General j. j.
Anderson and a gentleman who then represent
81 Rchmoni and myself, with others. should
undertake tho task.
The orders we're given 10 General Wetzel. and
passes In conformity thereto issued by General
Meiizel, by order OF the President | have mine
now. Before, however, We could act the passes