Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-06-27

The dispositions OF other officers were
taken. all TO the same effect.
This evidence was submitted TO Mr..
Davis. but he earnestly insisted he could
carry on the war; and gave his reasons.
The writer about this time had a long
conversation with General j. l.. G. At
kns In reference TO the critical condi-
ton, which resulted In the preparation
of some resolutions looking 10 the ap-
poiutment OF Stevens. Campbell, and
Hunter. and which l introduced In the
House IN secret session. These resoiu-
tons We're stoutly opposed. on the
ground OF interference with the Execu-
tive. but in the course OF few DAYS
IL was clearly seen the resolutions couio
be passed. OF course, they only con-
templated asking the President TO ap-
point. Before the resolutions were IN
troduced. however, General Atkins ana
myself lad seen Mr.. Stevens, VINO, with
some changes agreed to the resolutlohs'
but Insisted that he should be LETT on
This we did not do, and the House was
firm In making the three men named tne
commissioners.
Alter n weeks debate we were noti-
fed that II we would stop the debate
Mr.. Davis would appoint the three men
named. OF course, the resolutions were
Withdrawn. but with the condition that
these three men and no others should
be appointed, and they were inmedla'e-
" appointed. and left the next day.
The instruction given by Mr.. DAVIS mas
been matter of acrimonious dispute,
and some years ago when l said that
Mr.. Stevens said 10 me on returning
that they had been restricted 10 sel1'-
ment on the basis OF Independence. was
fercely assailed by gentleman VINO hao
never looked into the facts.
This is settled By Mr.. Davis hiinsel III
his book. Whatever ill-advised friends OF
MI. Davis may do there is one thins
about Mr. Davis, he does not equlVocate.
In his book he gives both orders ISSUED
nv him TO the commissioners, the hist
evidently looking TO peace negotiations
generally. but the second one, given the
day they started looking TO peace set
Element between the two countries. Inc
last order was so worded that there could
he no settlement except on the basis OF
independence. When Mr.. Davis wrote
his book he intended to put this matter
forever at rest and he gives both orders
which show that at the last moment ne
changed his mind and fixed the limit on
the power OF the commissioners.
on a former occasion gave statement
made 10 me by Joe Johnston, that when ne
called a council Of war TO determine "hAt
should be asked in surrendering his army
Nr. Davis. who had just reached his head
quarters. came in and insisted that the
war could still be continued, which state
ment was criticised, but in this, as in the
other matter. | can say that whatever in
iudicious friends may do, Mr. Davis does
not evade, and in his book he gives the
facts and shows that he did insist on
carrying on the war.
While it does not appear, I am Impress
ed that Mr.. Davis believed any compro-
mise or settlement short of exhaustion
would be disastrous to a peaceful restoia-
ton.
Whether the evidence OF General Lee
and other generals was taken by COM
mittee appointed in secret session Is a
thing known 10 every living member OF
the House.
After the proof was taken, and while
the debate was progressing, Sunday IN
tervened, and Or. Thomas Menees ana
General Atkins and myself rode out to
the army, then near Petersburg, 70 see
the Tennessee soldiers. We expected they
would want us 10 tell them That the out
look was. and os We went 1t was q mat
Can we hold out hopes Of victory when
we know from General Lee himself that
the war Is about TO close? So we all
made speeches, saying as little as posi-
bic. certainly avoiding all reference to the
termination of the war.
The most interesting portion Of this
history is to be. found in Stevens's book
on the war Of the States, where he gives
in great detail all that took place be-
tween the commissioners and Mr. Lin
coin and Seward. The meeting was in
formal and a free discussion, but not
negotiation. Mr. Lincoln, in his blunt
way. said 10 them when asked what
could be done, as no terms could be
made: Go back and disband and send
on your members 20 Congress.
Not having the book before me, I am
not giving the words. but the substance.
of what Mr. Stevens says, and which IS
I'm accord with what Mr.. Stevens said
after he returned. that Mr.. Lincoln was
willing to withdraw the troops and leave
the State governments intact.
Mr.. Lincoln said. in substance, that
he made no demand, but a restoration,
of the Union, which he maintained was
not to be done by agreement, but by
the Southern States sending their mem
bers hack to Congress.
When the question was mentioned
about the freedmen, Mr. Lincoln said,
In the plainest language: II 10 not
claim that my proclamation freed tina
negroes. The freedom Of the negroes
who went into our armies will be IN
sisted on az war measure
Here Mr.. Seward spoke and said: Mr..
Stevens, 1t is proper that we should
tell YOU that there is now pending I'm
Congress a measure looking to an
amendment Of the Constitution freeing
the negroes. But" said he. Coming
back into the Union, the Southern States
can defeat this amendment"
Further discussing the question Of
slavery, Mr.. Lincoln advised that the
states emancipate the slaves, and strong
~ limited that the North would not be
averse to paying for the slaves and went
on 10 say what price many Of their
leading men were willing to pay.
After the return Of the commissioner.
Mr.. Stevens gave me a most interesting
account OF a day they spent with General
Grant, as they were detained a whole
day at his headquarters while he cor
responded with Mr.. Lincoln, arranging
for the meeting.
He said. what then surprised me
greatly, that General Grant was one
Of the finest conversationalists ne had
ever seen. This IS now confirmed IN
his book. He also said that evidently
General Grant was pleased with their
mission. surmsng. without being told,
the purpose. and that he, as well as Mr..
Lincoln. was ANXIOUS TO end the war.
and that General Grant evidently hoped
the meeting would end in a settlement
This must be put down TO the credit
Of General Grant. as he well knew great
glory would soon come 10 him by q
final victory and surrender.
No Epidemic Of Suicides.
baltimore Amerlcan)
Some people are dispOeed to become pes
simistic when they reflect that the num-