Connecticut western news., 1896-07-23
GENERAL sNeLsroN's PASS.

Memorial of Linoeln-A Peace Msassn-
 ger Stopped by Lincoin's Death.
 A daughter uf the late General James W. Singleton has card which is his torically of great interest. It is pass written by President Lincoln late on April IS, 1865, and is more than prob ably the last pass that he ever wrote.
 The war was practically ended Lee, with his .scarred and battered legions, awaited the end that was swiftly ap- preaching, The surrender was ques- tion of time. Weary of bloodshed, with malice toward none, with char tty for all" Mir. Lincoln. in the inter ests of peace, had summoned to his aid General James W. Singleton of Quincy, Ills, virginian by birth, and person ally known to prominent men of the Confederacy, and also intimately asso- ciated with the president in his western home
 Already he had made several trips to Richmond, unofficially of course, and there was chance that the negotiations would bear good fruit, and tend to a speedy and peaceful adjustment of many questions by making both sides better acquainted with each other.
 At General Singleton's request MT. Lincoln had given him 8 letter stating in substance that if Virginia or any of the southern states would recognize the authority of the United States and elect senators and members of congress, such senators and members of congress would be entitled to take their seats.
 ''Mr. President" said General Sim gieton, referring to this letter, "when I go south shall be asked how your promise in this letter can consistently stand alongside of your emancipation proclamation. What shall I tell them?'
 Singleton, said MT, Lincoln, ''I have explained, and will now say again. that have issued that proclamation, and if it have any legal effect have no power to reach it If it have not any legal effect, 1t is of no consequence. I would not take it back if could, and l could not if I wopld,''
 Thus briefly was summed up Nh, Lincoln's estimate of that proclamation that changed the destinies of millions of people.
 He continued: My duty is simply to epforce the laws want to see these states and all these people come back and submit to the constitution, and then my duty is done. I am the executive part of the government, and when have enforced the laws the other de- partments will relieve me of all respon. sibility."
 On April IA he instructed General Singleton to assure the people of Vir. ginia that he would favor the return oi the state into the Union with her gov ernment intact, and the same on the | part of the seeded states,
 | II cannot do everything at once" he said, flor am impeded by the fact that everything is under martial law at the present time. wish you to go agair immediately to Richmond and reassurt the people,
 Ar, Usher, secretary of the interior. was present at this interview and wa, to accompany General Singleton tt Richmond. They took leave of the presi dent and went out together. | Later in the evening, going to joir Governor Yates of Illinois and othel friends, with whom they were to mak, 9 party for supper, they were met or the threshold with flying rumors of th' assassination of Mf Lincoln at Ford'i theater.
 Thus were MT, Lincoln's last word
 those of peace and kindness Recognizing the value of that memen 10 of the time, General Singleton order ed case of gold. in one compartmen of which, under glass. is the card witt it's significant date. New York Sun.