The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1896-05-23
GEN. SINGLETON'S PASS.
A Memorial Of LincOln-A Peace Mes
senger STORED by Linc0lnS Death.

\ daughter Of the late General James w.
Singleton has card which is historically
of great interest. 1t is pass written by
President Lincoln late on April 18th, 1865
aud is more than probably the last pass
that he ever wrote.
The var was practically ended. Lee,
with his Scared and battered legions,"
awaited the end that was swiftly approach
Ing. The surrender was question of
time. Weary of bloodshed, with malice
toward none, with charity for ALL" Mr.
Lincoln, in the interests of peace, had sum-
moned to his aid General James w. Single
ton of Quincy, Ills, a Virginian by birth,
and personally 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, unoftically of course, and there
was chance that the negotiations would
bear good fruit, and tend to speedy and
peaceful adjustment of many questions by
making both sides better acquainted with
each other.
At General Singleton's request Mr.. Lin
coin had given 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 men,
bers of congress, such senators and men,
bers of congress would be entitled to take
their seats.
MIR. President, said General Singleton,
referring to this letter, "when | 90 south
| shall be asked how your promise in this
letter can consistently stand alongside Of
your emancipation proclamation. VIII at
shall | tell them?'
Singleton, said Mr.. Lincoln, 81 have
explained, and will now say again, that |
have issued that proclamation, and if it
has any legal effect have no power to
reach 1t. If it has not any legal effect, it
is OF no consequence. | would not take it
back if could, and could not if would -
Thus briefly was summed up Mr.. Lin
coins estimate of that proclamation tn Al
changed the destinies Of millions of peopl e.
He continued: ''My duty is simply to
enforce the laws. l want to see these
people come back and submit to the con-
stitution, and then my duty is done. l am
the executive part of the government, and
when l have enforced the laws the other
departments will relieve me of all respon-
sibility'
On April 18th he instructed General
Singleton to assure the people of Virginia
that he would favor the return of the state
into the Union with her government intact,
and the same on the part of the seeded
states.
Il cannot do everything at once" he
said, for am impeded by the fact that
everything is under martial law at the
present time | wish you to 20 again i'm
medately, to Richmond and reassure the
people"
Mr.. Usher, Secretary of the Interior, was
present at this interview and was to ac-
company General Singleton to Richmond
They took leave of the president and went
out together.
Later in the evening, going to join
Governor Yates of Illinois and other friends,
with whom they were to make party for
supper, they were met on the threshold
with flying rumors of the assassination of
Mr.. Lincoln at Ford's theater.
Thus were Mr. Lincoln's last words
those of peace and kindness.
Recognizing the value of that memento
OF the time, General Singleton ordered a
case of gold, in one compartment of which,
under glass, is the card with its significant
date.-New York Sun