The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1903-03-05

of Petersburg. and started on their way to
Richmond. At about 3 o'clock D. m. of
| the same day they approached the enemy s
| lines and soon received directions as to
| where the Exchange Commissioner, Judge
Ould, might be found. Following direc-
tions. it was but short time before they
found OuId and others, were introduced,
and entered into conversation on topics re-
lated to the conduct of the war, treatment
of prisoners, and the object of the visit they
were making. In order not to afford the
visitors an opportunity to view the f6rti-
fcations, the Judge postponed starting to
Richmond until after sunset.
On starting, Commissioner. Ould, in his
carriage, led the way, while the Colonel
and Gilmore followed in an ambulance
drawn by a pair of mules, lgith a stout
| cOlored man as driver. One Javins. whom
Mr.. Gilmore denominates ''Our shadow
occupied the same seat, sitting between
Col. .Jaquess and his companion. In this
manner they passed within the fortifca-
tons and the line of troops, and by IL
o'clock that Saturday night they were in
the heart of the Confederate Capital.
Aighted at the doorway of the Spots wood
Hotel, the visitors We're shown without de-
lay to room No. 60, in the fourth story.
Supper was provided and partaken of in
the same room, where they slept that night
and breakfasted the next morning
MEETING WITH THE CONFEDERATE sECRE-
TARY OF STATE.
After breakfast Sunday morning a note
was prepared, which reads thus:
"SpOtswood House.
Richmond. Va, July II, 1864.
Hon. ]. p. Benjamin, Secretary of State,
etc:
"Dear Sir: The undersigned respect-
I'm ieif inf IL,
Davis. They visit Richmond only as pri-
yate citizens, and have no official char
acter or authority; hut they are acquainted
with the views of the United States Gov
ernment, and with the sentiments of the
Northern people, relative to an adjustment
of the. differences existing between the
North and the South, and earnestly hope
that free interchange of views between
President Davis and themselves may omen
the way to such official negotiations as will
result in restoring peace to the two sec
tons of our distracted country. They, there
fore, ask an interview with the President
and awaiting your reply are, truly and re-
specially yours
This note was called for. as previously
agreed upon, and delivered to the party
addressed. Mr.. Benjamin sent his cOmpli-
ments in return, accompanied by an express
sion Of 4 desire to meet Col. Jaquess and
MIR. Gilmore at the State Department. In
response to this invitation they repaired at
once TO the Department presided over by
Mr.. Benjamin, which was located in the
Custom-House. Judge Ould, who had ac-
companied the visitors, introduced them to
Mr.. Benjamin, and an informal interview
was held. during which the Secretary
seemed very anxious to learn whether Mr..
Lincoln had. in any way, authorized them
to come, and the time was fixed for a
more extended and authoritative inter-
change of views, when Mr.. Davis would
be present, Mt 8 o'clock in the evening
The day, from near noon. until time for
the interview, was passed by the visitors
in their room, conversing with the Com
missioner or watching the people as they
passed by on the street. Promptly on time.
the visitors We're at the State Department.
where Mr.. Davis had previously arrived.
AN IMPORTANT CONFERENCE.
The evening found the four persons
seated in a room in the Confederate State
Department. After formal introduction
IT was agreed that in the discussion to fol-
low no personal offense was to be taken,
even though 1t became necessary to employ
plain language, and Col. Jaquess accepting
the temporary status of affairs, studiously
and politely employed the terms, MIR.
President" and "Confederacy."
Mr.. Benjamin's first and most persistent
effort was to secure an admission that the
embassy was official, and after laboring
thus in vain for 80 minutes, he then at
tempted to brOwbeat the Colonel by en-
ployiug the term spy" and illusions to
the ordinary fate of SUCH
These tactics failing, Col. JaQuess had
an opportunity to open long, serious and
exceedingly plain conversation with Mr..
Davis, carefully selecting such points as
in themselves gave least room for contro-
yersy. He emphasized the statement that
he was present only in his individual ca
pacity, since he believed that neither of
the contending parties would accept COM
missiOners from the other and thus settle
existing difficulties, and that negotiation
would only end N wrangling, with the
more desperate alienation, unless certain
points gould be previously adjusted by an
unofficial delegation as n basis for fur
ther/6fiicial discussion. The Colonel there
fore remarked:
! "Mr. President, came on my own re-
Isponsibility to prepare the way, and hope
thar We, as Christian gentlemen. may sue