Newspaper Page Text
N. S. MORSE. '
(&jjnmtfle £ Sentinel
THIS TKIIM S OKPHItKOTiIH HOD *ll AY TUB
F.JRTJUCS4 M
We have before Hinted that Mr, Divis, lute
President of the Staten engaged in the rebel -
li«u, had not communicated to the people who
hud elected him, and trusted him, the. tinth in
regard to the lamed Fortress Monroe' confer
ehce.
Now lliat the aforesaid Davis his no longer
power to arrest and coniine persons without
the benefit of habeas corpus ; or bis organs to
Instigate mobs of soldiers and irresponsible
men to threaten destruction to life and pri
vate property ; or for officials to arrei-f persona
and suppress papers for publications without
bis sanction —it may be as well to let the peo
ple know the truth.
We will now give the Idstory of (hat for
vention, as nearly as wo can remember iljrom
the statement of Mr. Stephens to us, directly
after his return.
Mr. Davis sent for him to communicate Ihe
information that Mr. Blair desired a conlV icnc*-
between the anthoiities of (he United Slates
and the Southern States, upon the subject of
peace ; and Mr. Stephens’ advice was askqd.
He promptly replied that if Mr. Blair spoke by
authority of ['resident Lincoln, ho most ear
nestly advised ihe conference. But that as the
terms of peace if favorable to the South, would
awaken angry debate from the radical men
of the North, and a failure to get terms but
dishearten our own people, ho recommended :
First, that (lie strictest secrecy be used;
Secoud, that the parties to the conference be
President Lincoln and Mr. Davis, and that
Generals Grant and Leo bo the only ones to
ov«M know of the meeting. The advice was
taken as usual in llichihond—disregard al
together—nuil by officially telegraphing the
news to every corner of the lato so called Con
federacy.
Two days later Mr. Stephens was surprised
by the information from Mr. Benjamin, that a
committee of three were to go, consisting of
Alexander if Stephens, Vice President; IV M.
TANARUS, Hunter. Senator lroni Virginia; and .John
A. Campbell, Assistant Secretary of War. Mr.
(Stephens saw at once that to refute to go,
would subject him to unfriendly roiu irlis, and
that probably he would have the responsibility
of failure lo make peace thrown upon bis
shoulders. So he word, merely rem irking to
Mr. Campbell, “that the old story of the
monkey that took the paw of the cat to pull
bis chesnuts cut of the tire, was not without
some modern illustrations to which Mr.
Campbell said that “ho thought so too, and
did not like it ’’
’ihe flag of truce; and the loud and prolong
ed cheers of both armies that gave the lie to
the statement of Southern wliiruistralion or
gans that the veterans were opposed to pence;
and the two days enjoyment of the hospitality
of that glorious old soldier .Grant, are history
well known, Probably but from the endorse -
ment of the peac i wishes of Stephens and
Hunter by General Grant, the intervie v
would not have berm granted. The reason
why the General did not include Mr. Damp
bell iii his endorsement, was that. Mr. D. was
perfectly satisfied that the country was whip
od then, and prepared to take what he could
get, and therefore did not talk. While Mr
Hunter who was not much for reconstruction,
talked the most, i
Tue three Southern gentlemen met Mr. Lin
coln and Mr. Seward as is known, t ml after
some preliminary remarks, Ihe subject of peace
was opened. Mr. Stephens well uivnie that
one who asks mu. h. may get moie than he
wlio confesses to humble wishes at the out
wt—urged the claims of his section with that
<-kill and address, (or which the Northern pa
pers have given him. credit. Mr Lincoln,
holding the vantage ground ol conscious pow
er, was however perfectly frank ; and submit
ted hid views, almost iu the form of au argu
ment.
U'e can best give the facts, by giving the
n'poit of the. Com m issions re, aud the facts in
regard to each statement.
Rm'iimono, February f>, 18C5.
To the rrtsUli nt of the Confide, ate Suites :
Sut: Under your lei ter of appointment, us
to seek an informal conference with A Graham
Lincoln, L’reuJont of the United States, upon
jbe subject mentioned in the letter. Oonior
j* nCv « was granted, an 1 took place on the 30 th
Deccini.'er, on board a steamer anchored in
Hampton Roads, where we met President Lin
o >lu and the lion. 41 r. Seward. Secretary of
State for the United States. It continued for
several hours, and was both lull and explicit.
The only statement of moment in this first
paragraph, is that Uie conference was both
lull and explicit.
yVe learned from them that the Message of
I’resid, nt Lincoln to the Congit'ss of the Uni
ted Slates in December last, explains clearly
bis sentiments as to tho terms, conditions and
mode of procedure by which peace can be se
cured to the people, and we were not inform
ed that mey would be modified or altered to
obtain that end We understood from him
that no terms' or proposals of any treaty yor
ngreement looking to the ultimate settlement,
would be entertained or made by him with
*/„• (I'lihoriU-s of the Coaiederate States, he
c<llU te that would be a recognd on of their existence
<n a separate vewer, which under no eircum
vtaxes would be done. And for like reasons,
that no such terms would be entertained by
him from separate tlates ; that no extended
truce or armistice, as at present advised,
would be granted or allowed, without satis
factory assurances, in advance, of tiio com
p'lete restoration ol the authority of tho consti
tution and laws of tho United States over all
plaeee within the States of the C nlederacy.
Tho first paragraph of the above simply
means that reconstruction ot the Union was die
only basis of peace or of conference ; aud no
desire lor peuce would bo allowed to overrule
that sine yua noil• The words which we have
italicised wore the principal subject of discus
sion, for as in Mr. Davis’ instructions to Mr.
Stephens at the time of his first attempt to
reach Washington City. Mr. Davis insisted upon
Lis rank, either as Commander or President,
and would havo no conference without that
being recognised.
Mr. Lincoln stated fairly, that the only
ground upon which ho could rest the justice ol
the war— either with his own people or with
foreign powers—was that it was not a war for
conquest, but that the States never had been
separated from tho Union. Consequently he
could not recognize another Government inside
pf the one of which he aloue was President;
- ari—■
| nor admit the s pnale independeuee of States
I that were yet. a part of the Union. That, raid
he, would !> • doing what you have so long
asked Europe to •’ > in vain, and ho resigning
the onlv thing the armies of tho (Tniou are
fighting for.
To that Mr. Hunter replied at length, in
rather c >ngf .--i style, urging that the re
cognition of Mr Davis’ power to make a trea
ty, was the ii .-t and indispensable step to
peace, and referring to the correspondence be
- en King Charles the First, and bis Parlia
ment, as a reliable precedent, of a constitu
tional ruler, tri aling wi'lr rebels. ,
Mr. Lincoln's face lli-.'i wore that indoscri
b .hie i xpres-1 m which generally preceded his
hardest, bite, nod l.e remarked : “Upon ques
tion.': of history, I must refer you to Mr. Sew
nid, for he is posted in sr.c'J things, and [ dou* k
propose to be blight. My only distinct rcctl
b etiou of the matter is, that Ch ivies lost his
head" That settled Mr. Hunter for a While.
There was little said about the fact that an
armistice would be of no benefit, unless it pre
coded that which th * North must have, if her
armies slopped from the tide of victory, to
wit : the restoration of tho Union anil its
law.
Mr. Lincoln remarked that whatever con
st quences may follow from the re-establish
ment of thaf afltlmrUy, it must be accepted;
hut iml ioiduals subject lo pains and penalties
under the laws the Untied Slates, ni'yhl rely
upon a tori/ liberal use of the powers confided
lo turn lo remil those pains and penalties »/fence
he restored.
lie also stated in the above connection that
limited as lie win by the constitution, he could
not change or impair the power of Congress,
nor aboii: n its laws, nor stay the judgments of
tho courts ; for the Leg shitivn and Judicial
power bad co iqiul jurisdiction* with] the
Executive But he did offer all the power of
mercy and pardon anil infl mice, both as the
Chief Magistrate, and as .1 popular party lead
er • and that is a better offer than rebels on
Ihe eve of des + ru':ti.ia an 1 ruin, ever hail be
fore from a victorious power.
Mr. Hunt r stated lha l he ha-.l nov<r enter
tained uiy fears fi r his p-rson or life, from so
•mild a government as Mm I of (lie United Stairs.
To which Mr. L'neolu retorted, that ho, al sc,
bad fell easy uh to I,ho rebels, but not always so
easy about tho lamp posts around Washington
city a hint that lie had alien ly done more
favors for the rebels, than was exactly popu
lar with tho radical m u of his own party.
During the c inference the proposed amend
menls <o the Constitution adopted by
Congress were brought to notice ; these'
amendments provide that neither slavery or
involuntary servitude, except for crimes,
should exist within Use U riled States, or any
place wifhin its jm is.Pction, and Congress
shquld have power to enforce the . amendment
by appropriate legislation.
Mr. I/neoln bid almost assumed the foie
of argument, and inlknaled that the Stales
might do much better to return to tho Union
at once ; than to stand the chances of ci ntm
ued war, «>yl ihe increasing bitterness of feel
ing ill Cong:e«s. And tiiit tho time might,
come when we would cease to be an erring
people, invited back to the Union as citizens
but looked upon perhaps as enemies lo bo ex
terminated or ruined.
Mr. S ward then remarked—“Mr President.,
it, is as well to inform these gentlemen that
yesterday, Congress acted upon tho amend
ment to the corntutition abolishing slavery.’’
Mr. Lincoln stated that was true, and sug
gisted that there was' a ifu« gtion as to the
right.of tiie iusmgi nt States lo return at once,
and claim a right to vote upon theam-ndment,
to which ILo concurrence of two thirds ol the
States was required.
lfe slated that it would be desirable to have
the institution of slavery abolished by the "con
sent of .he people, as soon as possible—he
hoped witliiu six years. He also stated that
four handled million of dollars might be offer
ed as compensation to t e owner*, and remark
ed, “yon would In' surprised were 1 lo give you
the man >s of those who favor that”
Mr. Hunter said something about the inhu
manity of leaving so many poor old negroes
and young children destitute, by encouraging
the able bodied negroes *o run away, ahd
asked, what are they the helpless—to do?
Mi. Liueo'n said that reminded him of an
old frieuikiu Illinois, who had a crop of pota
toes and did mat want to dig them. So he told
a tmighbor that ho would turn in his hogs and
let them dig thorn for themselves. But said
the ne ! gh!v>r, the frost will soon be in the
ground, and w ion th« soil is bard ftv*z -n, what
.will they do then ? To which the worthy far -
mer replied, ‘‘let 'em root /’’
Mr. Stephens sri.l he supposed that was the
original if ‘ Hoot llog or die," and a fair indi
cation of lho Intin-j of the negroes
The close ol tho report of Mr. Davis
Commissioners reads thus :
Os all correspondence that preceded the con
fer! nee horohynentioned. and leading to same,
you have heretofore been informed.
Very respectfully, your oh t serv’ts,
rsi.ruc-tl Ai.vx. H. Stkl’iiess,
It. M. T. Hmri'Bß,
Joins A. Campbkix,.
We remark now. that all wo know of the
correspondence above, mentioned, wo havo
from the report of Mr. Seward, as Mr. Davie
never favored us with K.
The whole meeting was friendly, and the
parting cordial as reported. Mr. Stephens re
ported to Mr Davis that nothing had been done,
but that nothing was determined, and that if
he relied upon tho sincerity of Mr. Blair, the
conference was but a confirmation oL the de
sire for peace on the part of the Unite 1 States,
and the way open for settlement. Mr. Davis,
however, looked upon the proposals as Insult
ing, and seemed to have the concurrence -of
Mr. Hunter in that view—somewhat, lie
wished a statement to .go before the public,
that only insulting terms were tendered : but
the commissioners declined to make it, on the
ground that it was not true.
With some difficulty, they secured the re
ception of the brief aud perfectly truthful, but
not very clear report that was published, and
Mr. Davis put the coloring to it, and endeav
ored to secure his object of crushing the great
Southern peaces party, by an inflammatory dis
patch all over the country, followed by the
AUGUSTA, GA., WEDNESDAY MORNING, JUNE 14, 1865.
actual report with the following ingenious
preface written by Lionel £:
Exscurivii Omen, I
Richmond, February 0, 186.5. f
To the. Senate and House of Representatives of the
Confederate States :
1 Recently received a written notification
which satisfied me that the President of the
United States was disposed to confer informal
ly with any official agents that might bo sent
by me with a view to the restoration of
peace, I requested the Uon. A H. Stephens,
Hon. It. JJ. T. Hunter, and lion John A
Campbell, to proceed through our lines and
hold conference with Lincoln,or such persons
as be might depute to represent him.
I herewith submit lor the information of
Congress, the report, of these eminent citizens
above named, showing that the enemy xejuseJ
lo enter into negotiations with the Confederate
S'a'cs or any if them separately, or give our peo
l>lo any other terms or guarantees than those
which Congress may grant, or to permit ns to
have a vote on any otlur basis than our uncon
dWonal submission to their rule,’ coupled with
the acceptance of tin ir recent legislation, in
cluding the amendment to the constitution
emancipating all negro slaves ; aiul with
the right on Ihe part of Federal Congress to hups -
lute on the subject of the relations hid ween the white
ami black population* in each State. Such is,
as I understand, the effect of the amendment
to the constitution which has let-u adopted by
the Congress of the United States.
[Signed] Jefferson Davis
Tliis was closely followed by mass meetings
in the uapitol and elsewhere.
How strange it is that all flrego bloody tqind
ed men. wlio advocated the “black and
“no quarters'* upon our street corners, con
tented themselves with words; and with all
this bate of Yauke.cs, never uudarlpQk to find
them at llio front, wheie there have been lots
of them to ho found for four years!
Mr. D. said h\ one of those Richmond meet
ings in his speech- “Wo will teach them that
when they ta'k to us, they talk to their m'is
lets ”
Mr. Stephens ouue homo with hut a pew
cause of sorrow, aud those who said he talked
of coming herne to mako war speeches and
denounce the terms offered, simply Ued Be
fore Mr. Lincoln’s death he thought he was do
ing a favor to him not to include that offer of
four hundred millions in gold for the Southern
slaves, In the published report, for it would be
used to the injury of Mr. Lincoln by tliqse
of bis enemies who would talk about taxation
aud the debt.
Mr. Stephens has frequently expressed .no
apprehension, should Ihe fortunes of war throw
him into the hands of Mr. Lincoln, and said
ho would uot get out of the way of a raid
were it not for appealauees, on account of the
office bo held, lie spoke of Mr. Lincoln, as an
,old friend wlio bad generally voted with him
in Congress, and who had a good heart and fine
mind and was undoubtedly honest.
This much we have written, in vindication
of our assertion when the terms .were offered,
that they “were not dishonorable.” We so
remaiked at the 11ms the conference ended—
and for so doing was sci fled at and reviled by
ho administration press of tho South-who
endeavored to excite the public against us by
raising the mad dog cries of “re const,ruciiou
i. t,’’ “enemy to the Southern ciuse,’’ &c.
We have also felt it a duty to-give Mr,
Stephens statement to the public as evidence
that when master of his own acts, he hid no
part of the truth from any one who asked for it.
IUU<; VDB AM) HOH’l I'AU IIASCS! T.(»'.
On Sunday, Gen. Molineux accompanied by
his staff, inspected the quartets of the troops,
aud. the hospitals in tho city. We had the
pleasure of accompanying the gmitb-meu. We
saw at once the reason why the U. S. troops
have so little sickness in the ranks in these hot
climes where men from the Ninth, and even
men ol Southern birth aie so liable to viiulent
diseases during (He summer months.
The men ami most of Ihe officers did
not know that tho General was to pay them
a visit. Os course he found things as they
really were—without any extra brushing up or
preparation. suspicious looking pillow,
haversack, or corner was looked into—and
where any thing was uot found all right, clean
and tidy as it ought to be, and as the U. S.
regulations demanded, an order or direction
was given to the officer in charge in a few
plain unmistakable words. In some instances
the friendly counsel was added—“lf this matter
occurs again, an arrest will be made.”
Even in these crises, our unpracticed eye
could not discover tuuch out of the way. But
the General-is au old soldier, having been la
the service several years, lie knows full well
from experience, that many a fatal disorder has
bad its origin from what was at first a very
small caase. lteuceehis v'sdhint scrutiny in
examining into the condition of hid men, his
enquiries into their daily habits, and his in
structions in regard to the cleanliness of their
person and their quarters.
It would surprise our cilia ns who have
seen how soldiers iu this part of the country
havo lived the last few years, to gee how par
ticular the U S officers are with their men.
They not only examine their quarters, but
they examine their persona to see that they
k-ep clean ; they also examine their rations,
to s/he that their food is wholesome, and they
will not permit them even to k*ep over uncon
valued rulionß which are liable to became
unwholesome by age, for future meals.
Gen. Molineux, iu his private relations is
one of tho most social gentleman wo have
ever had the pleasure of becoming acquainted
with. Bat when engaged in discharging his
official duties, he expects every one under him
to obey his ordeis and the rules and instruc
tions laid down by the military branch tho
Government under which we are now living.
The good order which is at present existing
in our city is attributable wholly and solely to
his management and efficiency. And it affords
us much gratification to pe; ceive that most of
our citizens appreciate his laborious exertions
which have brought order out ot chaos, and
has given them a well regulated system of
affairs.
Orders have been issued from the War office
for the discharge of fifty thousand employee of
the Quartermaster’s Department.
In the Tennessee Senate, they are debating
a measure to deny all rights of citizenship, for
six years, to those who have borne arms in the
rebellion.
The Ohio soldiers at Chattanooga have chos
en delegates to attend their State convent ion
in June and instructed them to voto for Maj.
General Steadman as candidate for ’ Governor
pf Ohio at the ensuing fall election.
fcBWUIIiIMJ VADKII DtmCULTICV-A
fjcvv fins.
Wo understand that obq of the proprietors
of tho Constitutionalist —the polite, gentle
manly, aud even tempered businessman of the
concern —Las lately been very anxiously
searching after a file of tho Chronicle & Sau
tisel. Now, wo do not know what said
urbane gentleman wishes to do with said file,
but judging from the past careerof the broken
down Ji If Davis organ, under lira ab’o and
efficient management, we do not think be in
tends any harm, to us. Not he ' Iso ! uot h !
His heretofore h'gh-toned and chivalrous con
duct would not admit of any such suspicions
lu-iug a -raised in the minds of our friends, as
this searcher after a file pursued his weary
way through our heated and dusty streets,
For the benefit of those who have not had
the pleasure of daily poi ad'g the especial or
gan of Jeff Davis iu dajs gone by, we will
mention a.few facts concerning arficlcs pub
lished in its columns, tfie tone of which leads
us to believe that the talented and fluent Great
Mogul of the concern meant no harm when
labor!' u ;ly sweating in a hot June mi a, search
ing after r, file us the Cijkonjclk & Fkxtiskt..
No harm mfiant he ! No harm meant the cliiv
alrou*, high-toned manager! Certainly not!
Who is Uiire so vitiated in his mind as to sup
pose, that, even for once, thoie rankled in his
pqre qnd undeflied heart a malicioqs thought,
or a frollng of envy and spite in tho mind of
the searchor after a newspaper fiio.
Well, in the fast place, the columns of said
ably conducted J. If Davis cigau —whose feel
ings of enthusiasm in rcguiij lo its most ab
jectly woishipped'god expired suddenly a few
Fun day 3 since— have from time tc time been
afioippil with very elaborate articles which
Referred e°;v daily to tfie proprietor of this
paper, and the peril al of which would not
U'tyJ any one for a single moment to believe
tfiaf, our patient and qjeek newspaper-file
searcher here iu the pure amt unJeliDd heart
we have referred to, any feeling against the
; üblisber aud editor of tho paper he was so
anxious to feast his strained and glaring gaze
upon.
We have not room in thia issue to refer to
all tfie articles in which he has so goneroijs] v yo
vired to us. It would take more space Burn
wecanspaio to day; but as we have a com
plete file of bis sheet, we c m refer to it with
out any trouble when we have a vacant space
and a leisure moment. We will merely give a
Jew Ideas which said chrlstum spirited mana
ger thought read exceedingly well when pub
lished, but which —“since a now light has been
given to perceiye and to be perceived by”—
do not read quite as funny to* him perhaps as
they uie 1 to.
It is well known to this camniunlty—and
said keen and far sighted manager knows it,
If he.kuows any thing at all—that since the
present proprietor of the C iikoniclk & Sk.nti-
NKcaesumed tbo complete unfettered'control
of Us editorial columns, that its tone has been
of the most conservative order, and that
lie assiduously labored to briug the late la
mented civil war to a close. For persevering in'
this conservative course he has been subject to
the most bitter persecutions—aud the leader of
the persecuting party has been the Augusta
Constitutionalist. The columns of that paper
have been continually titled with articles of the
most contemptible stamp. Sneaking articles
—in which < fforts were made to injure our busi
ne3S because wo were of the despicable and
hated Yankee race; iu which efforts were nuvdq
to stir up a mob spirit against us in order that
injury might bo done our |iursoD, and our pro
perly destroyed because we would not support
Jeff Davis tyranny; and because we t uff avored
to inculcate into the minds of tho 1 people of
Georgia and other sections, that the difficulties
which existed between the North and the
South could be periled by other means than
the sword, if Davis and the war newspapers of
ibo Constitutionalist stamp would only permit
it lo bo done; in which wo woie accused of
being a traitor, and of being guilty of treason,
anil ia which hanging was advised as a cure
all for us and all those who tin ught as wo
did; in which it was suggested to returning
Soldiers tfiat they would do a good thing for
tliGir country if they would assail and destroy
our establishment; and finally, in which, when
other contemptible means to Injure us failed,
it was openly asserted, iu order to bring 113
into disrepute, if possible, that we weie bought
with Lincoln gold to break down the cause of
the South.
Wo have not time to exunino the file
of the Constitutionalist--the pape? which tho
fi'e searcket is*connected with—but we shall
do so soon. Wo did not intend to refer to
by-gones. But since that paper has done sc,
we Intend to give all concerned ie. its publi
cation as good as iL sends—and a little better
If we can. ‘ Lay on Macduff.” &e
Bit enough of this for the present. Ifsaidfiie
searcher will call on us we can show him the
papers he is looking'after. We can also give
him the exact date when we assumed the sole
and supreme control over the edilo.ial columns
of the CmtosiCLE & Sfativkl Then he can go
ahead with his plans of magliguity and hate
at his leisiue. Then lie will bo able to keep
truth on his side— it he feels so disposed.
Bat before he proceeds far he will find the old
fable of the “viper and the file’’ very applica
ble to his case.
——>• in
Tub Wat Muskets should bs Kptt.— The
manner in which the arms of the U S so’diers
are kept, is a oredit to the officers who have
charge of tho matter. We were shown on
Sunday some muskets which Lave been in the
service over three years, and they really look
as if they had just been taken from the hands
of the men wbo put the ‘‘finishing touch” on
the weapons. Not a speak of rrujt or a damag
ing bruise was to be seen cither on the barrel
or the wood work. Tho leather straps also
looked as if just from the workshop. One rea
son why the Federal soldiers have been so suc
cessful in many battles which have t*kea plaoe,
we are now- of the opinion, is attributable to
the good order in which they have kept
their weapons of war—and this state of affairs
has been caused by having officers who have
discharged tlieir duties faithfully, and com
meud the “rank and file” to keep their
skellets clean and ready for use at a mo
ment’s notice.
■ — —.
Gen. Forrest is on bis plantation at Calinvia,
, Miss.
We are under military rule, which does not
permit a very extensive freedom of expies
sion.—Augusta Constitutionalist.
This is ungenerous as well ns unjust. It is
an uncalled for and rather of a sneaking attack
upon the military unihoritiea of this place
The editor of 4be Constitutionalist would tain
mako the public beiieva that ihe reason why his
daily issues are so nninte.esting and sleepy, is
becaifSe the military rulij la Augusta “does
not permit a very extensive freedom of expr. s
sion.’’ But the exouse for publishing au un
interesting sheet is a llunfy one—a mere pre
text without any foundation. The mid tar y
authorities here, as far as cur experijurpo
goes, have uot interfered in the least with ihe
freodom of the press. On ihe contrary they
have assisted all in their j o.ver to help the
press perform its great duly of conciliating the
public mind, mid restoring peace and quiet to
tho community.
Ah ! we forgot! we beg pardon of our neigh
bor tor out forge*fulness I Perhaps the “exten
sive freedom of expression’’ he refers to. and
which he dare not now indulge in, are incen
diary articles which used to grace liia columns
—iu which ail who wore horn in colder c’.iuios
were called dirty mudsills and despicable Yan
kees; in which endeavors were made to stir up
tho mob spirit against all who werq suspected
of being in favor of rc union in order that
they might be summarily disposed nt; in which
any one who talked of peace was villifiod as
a scoundrel and traitor; in which efforts were
made to instill into (he Southern mind
that every Federal General was vyoise thrift
a double-d'atiilci] brute, and every Fed
eral coldier a ravisher of females, a rob
ber of tbo defenceless, or iu other words a
second edifciop of top of help’ we read so
much about iu MiltoD.. Perhaps, as we have
before indicated, it is this “ixtensivo freedom
of opinion” the Constitutionalist wishes to in
dulge, and cannot —not became it has not, the
inclination and the spirit so to do, but for the
vovy sfinplo reason given above -because it
dare not do it.
We think the ' restraint on onr neighbor’s
“extensive freedom of expression” will not
give him much serious indisposition. If it dois
wo recommend that l.e import a bottle of “Mrs.
Winslow’s Soothing Syrup’’ for immediate me,
A piece of loaf sugar with a few.drops of pep
pet mint’ on it, in tho meanwhile might ullord
him relief until the medicine arrives. A little
finely powdered white sugar done up in a rag
may be a proper remedy. Don’t cry, sonny.
Religious Pacers.— We rtgret to Icaru that
tho military disasteas of the late Con fed ci acy,
have obliterated alunstall the religious papers
of tho South Macon Telegraph.
Yes! and if no better religious papers can
be published in days to come, in the South,
than those papers which professed to be relig
ious in days past, the public Is much belter off
witbou' than with them. As far :te rur obser
vation extends, most of the so called relig'ous
papers of this section of the world, instead of
inculcating the great religious precept of
“peace on earth, good will to man,” did their
best to infuse iuto the public heart a blood -
thirsty.spirit which if caufied out, would have
made the S mill not a whit behind the King
dom of Dahomey in its scenes of rapine and
slaughter.
Extraordisart Disclosures of tub Assas
sination Const ik acy. —During (lie evidence
taken one day in the conspiracy trial at Wash
ington, some strange facts were disclosed in
tho evidence, which went over nearly two years
in time, and includes the sworn state-men's of
a large number of p- l'sons who can have no
collusive purpose iu view, there is, we take it,
superabundant proof that; the scheme of mras
sinuliou, in some form, was agre-il lo and ap
proved in rebel military circles twenty months
ago; that the Richmond authorities hired and
paid the-conspirators money; that Booth,’be
sides being a hired assassin hinnelf, was en
gaged to hire others; that ho was empowered
o offer thousands of dollars for the aid of a
ingle confeqetate; thaf. lie did offer this for
tbo co-operation of a New York 'actor named
Chester, who, fortunately for himself, refused
the bribe; that Sandeis, and the gang who net
with him in the Provinces were privy to the
plot; and that every step fn the conspiracy was
with the cognizance of Gonfederaft* officials.
The business in which Booth engaged was
opened near Swill Run Gap -in the Shenau
doah Valley—vsbortly after the rebel defeat at
Gettysburg in ISG3. Booth first offered his
suggestions in a rebel camp; and Beall, wb-v'
was hung the other day, was the first vi luntcer
for what was to be thereafter known as the
“detached service.” Shortly after this, Booth
was found “in funds,” and upon these in- made
various essays in perfecting the conspiracy,
until the thing took the shape it did on the
14 th of April 1 ist.
Until tiie capture of Davis was reported, the
commission, doubtless, felt that it would o
unwise to let it lie known bo-v tar the evidence
really went to implicate the late “Coniederate
authorities.” His capture renders fii’thi i; pre
caution in this regard unnecessary, and the
commission tuily justify their own act in now
giving the whole to the public.— A. Y. Times.
Gen Banks’ Removal.— Washington letter
writers liave already commence ! speculating
ou the causes of G a n. Banks’ removal. Some
of them are decidedly uncharitable in (h.-ir
surmises. A correspondent of the Philadel
phia Ledger writes thus :
Orders have gone out to Gen B inks instruct
ing him to report at Washington. These or
ders arc the result of certain developments
made during the government investigation that
has been going on in that city, at\d if the
charges are found to be correct, the general
will not return. The charges aro understood
lo rest upon cotton operations or financial re
sults in connection therewith. The commis
sion also report very damaging evidence
against the predecessor of Gen. Banks, but I
do not hear that he has as yet been called upon
to refute them. As the General awhile ago,
however, courted an investigation iuto hi3 ad
ministration of affairs in the gulf department,
it is presumed he will gladly avail himself of
the opportunity that will now be offered to set
him right beiore the public.
President Johnson has telegraphed to Gov
ernor Brownlow to confer with General Thom
as with regard to the distribution of troops in
Tennessee, and says-the latter will .furnish all
the forces necessary for the p-otection of the
State. At the same time tlis President directs
the enrolling of militia to proceed as rapidly as
possible.
The Grand Master of ihe Free Masons in
Italy h»3 forwarded an address of condolence
upon the murder of Mr. Lincoln to Mr. Marsh,
United Statra Representative at Turin, and an
order has been issued to drape the Masonic
lodge rooms throughout Italy in mourning
during nine days.
Maj. Gen. McCook has gone to New Mexico.
He takes with him his family, and is assigned
to an important posi iion in that etc lion.
VOL. LXXIV. —NEW SERIES VOL. XXIV In ft. 24.
TUB INDICTMBST AUAIN6T JBFF. DIMS.
We givedielow a verbatim copy of the in
dictment of the Grand Jury for the District of
Columbia, reported to the Supreme Court o!
that District :
United States of America, District of Columbia.
Count if of fVashbujlott, to wit: The J irora of th*-
United States of America, within _and for the
county of Washington aforesaid, ’in the Dis
trict of Columbia aforesaid, upon their oaths,
present that Jetierson Davis, late of the county
of Henrico, in the State of Virginia, yeoman,
being au inhabitant of and resident within (he
said United States of America, and owing alle
gianceand fidelity to the said United States of
America, not having the fear of God before Lis
eyes, nor weighing the duty of his said allegi
auce, but being moved and seduced bv the in
stigation of the devil, wickedly devising and
iutending the peace of the tranquility of the
sa.d United States of America to disturb, and
the Government of the United States of Amer
ica to subvert, to stir, move and excite rebel
lion, invasion and war against the* United
States of America, on the first dav of June, of
tho year of our Lord 1864, at the county ol
Henrico aforesaid, in the State of Virginia
aforesaid, with force and arms unlawfully,
falsely, maliciously and traitorously did com
pass and intend to raise, levy and carry on
war, insurrection and rebellion against the said
United Slates of America, for the subversion of
the Government of said United States of Amer
ica, in the county of Washington aforesaid, ol
the District of Columbia aforesaid, and within
the jurisdiction of this court, and iu order to
fulfil and bring to effect tho traitorous com
passing . imaginations and intentions, the said
Jefferson Davis afterwards, to wit :
On the said first day of June, in tho year o' :
our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
sixty-four, (ISG4) at the county of Henrico
aforesaid, in the State of Virginia aforesaid,
being then anil there leagued in conspiracy
with a large number of insurgent and false
traitors, waging open war against said United
States of America, for the subversion of the
Government of the United States of America
and being then and there the leader and com
mander-in-chief of the said insurgents and
false traitors, with whom he, tlio said Jefferson
Davis, was then and there leagued in conspi
racy aforesaid, aud being thou and there ac
knowledgcd, recognized and obeyed by the
said insurgents at and false traitors as their leader
and commander-iu chief in the prosecution of
the said war against the United States of
America, and for the subversion of tho Gov
ernment of the United States of America, did
unlawfully, maliciously and traitorously order
and command a great multitude of insurgents
and false traitors who were then and there, to
wit: at the county of llenrico aforesaid, iu the
State of Virginia aforesaid on the day and
year first aforesaid, unlawful.y aud treacher
t usly assembled and banded together to a great
number, to wit: to tho number of twenty thou
sand persons and upwards, and who then and
there acknowledged, recognized and obeyed
him, the said Jefferson Davis, as Iheir leader
and commander-in-chief, as aforesaid, but
whose names are, to the jurors aforesaid, un
known, to march and proceed in a warlike
manner, that is to say, with drums and colors,
with cannon, muskets, carbines, pistols, swords,
cutlasses and other warlike wOffpons,
as offensive and defensive from the said county
of Henrico in the Statu of Virginia aforesaid,
and within the jurisdiction of this court, un
lawfully, maliciously and traitorously, and
carry on war against the said United Stales ol
America for the subversion of the Government
of the United States of America, and to eua
blesuch insurgents and false traitors to march
and proceed to invade thß said county of
Washington, aud there tp levy anl carry on
war against, tho United States of America, for
iho subversion of the Government of the said
United Statfes of America, and to aid and abet
them iu so doieg, he, the said Jefferson Davis,
afterwards, to wit:
On the said first-day of Juno, in tho year
of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
sixty-four, (1861) at the county of Henrico
aforesaid, in the State of Virginia aforesaid,
did provide, furnish aud supply the said in
surgents and false traitors so banded together
as aforesaid, with a large number of horses,
mules, wagous and ambulances, and a large
number of warlike weapons, to wit: cannon,
muskets, carbines, pistols, swords, cutlasses
and a large amount of ammunition, to wit:
powder, sliot, shells, cartridges, percussion
caps, bullets and other munitions of war, with
drums and colors, and also with a large
amount of provisions, to wit: Hour, corn meal,
pork, beef, beans, and other provisions for
the subsistence of the said insurgents anil
false traitors so banded together as aforesaid.
During this march to aud while carrying on
the war against the said United States of
America, for the subversion of the Govern
ment of the said United States of America, in
the said county of Washington, in tho District
of Columbia aforesaid, aud afterwards, to wit:
On the 12th day of July, in ihe year* of our
Lord one thousand eight hundred, and sixty
four, the said iusurgents aud false’ traitors so
being baqded together, as aforesaid, to a great
number, to*wit : to the number of twenty
thousand persons and upwards, in obedinca to
said orders and command so given by Jeffer
son Davis, as aforesaid, he, the said Jeffeison
Davis, being then anil there acknowledged, re
cognized, and obeyed by the said insurgents
and false traitors so banded together as afore
said, tut whose names to tho jurors aforesaid
are at present unknown, as their leaders and
Commander-in-chief, in the prosecution of
the said war against the said United States of
America, for the subversion of the Govern
ment of the said Uulted States of America,
w.Lh the said drums aud colors, and with the
said horses, mules, ambulances and wagons,
and with the said cannon, muskets, carbines,
pistols> swords, cutlasses, powder, shot, Bhel 1 ,
cartridges percussion caps, bullets, and with
other warlike weapons, and with tho said pro
visions, to-wlt:
Flour, corn meal, pork, bacon, beef, beans
and other provisions, provided, furnished and
supplied by the said Jefferson lMvis, as afore
said; and being then and there divided into
companies and regiments, '.did march in rank
and file into and invade the said county of
Washington in the District of Columbia afore
said, and within the jurisdiction of this cdurt;
and then and there, to-wit: on the said twelfth
(12lb) day ol July, in ihe year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and sixty-four, (1864)
with force and aims did falsely, maliciously
and traitorously, aud in a warlike and hostile
manner, array aud dispose themselves in battle
against the 6aid United States ol America, lor
the subversion of the Government of tha.sajid
United States of America ; and afterward, to
wit :
On the said twelfth (12ch) day 'of July, in
tho year of our Lord one thousand eight hun
dred and sixty-four, (1864,) the said insur
gents and false traitors so being banded to
gether as aforesaid to a great number, to wit :
to the number of twenty thousand persons r.nd
upwards, and iu obedience to (ho said orders
and command so given by the said Jefferson
Davis as aforesaid, he, the said Jefferson Davis,
being then and there acknowledged, recog
nized and obeyed by said insurgents and false
traitors so handed together as aforesaid, but
whose names are to the jurors at present un -
known, as their leader and commander in
chief in the prosecution of the said war against
the said United States of America, for the sub
version of the Government of the said United
States of America and with the said drums
and colors, and with the said horses, mules,
ambulances and wagous, and with the said
cannon, muskets, carbines, pistols, swords,
cutlasses, powder, shot, shells, cartridges, per
cussion caps, bullets, and other warlike weap
ons, and the said provisions to wit : flour, corn
meal, pork, beef, beans, and other provisions
furnished and supplied by the said * Jefferson
Davis as aforesaid ; and being then and there
divided iuto companies and regiments, having
marched in rank and tile and invaded ilie said
county ol Wp-hington. in the district of Col
umbia aforesaid, aud within the jurisdiction of
this Court; and being then and there, to wit:
The said twelfth day of July, in the year of
our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
sixty-four, at ihe county of Washington afore
said, iu the District of Columbia, unlawfully
aud traitorously assembled and armed and ar
rayed *iu a hostile manner, and in a warlike
manner, as aforesaid, that is to say, with the
said drums and colors, cannon, muskets, car
bine-., pistol.-, swords, cutlasses, powder, shot,
shells, cartridges, percussion erj&s, and other
warlike weapon* *n furnished, provided an l
supplied by the sail J. liaison Davis as afore
said, did then and there, to wit, ou the said
J.bh day of July. A. D, 1864, at (lie county of
Washington:: arc vkl, ;u the Distrmt-of Colum-
id, and within tho jurisdiction of
tins court, with force and arms, wickedly and
traitorously, and by mtiuns of the sud cannon,
muskets, carbines, pistols, swords, cutlasses,
powder, shot, skclkq cartridges,* percussion
caps, and other warlike weapons so furnished,
provided and supplied by (be said Jefferson
Davis as aforesaid, rdbuk, assault and mako
war upon a certain fort of the said United
States of America, called Fort Stevens arid
known as Fort Stevens; the said fort then and
there, to-wit:
On the day and year last aforesaid, at tho
county and in the district lastlaforesaid. with n
the jurisdiction of this Court, being used aud
occupied by '.ho military forces of the saw! Uni
ted States of America, and district then and
there, to wit: on tho day and year last afore
said, at the couciy and in the district last
aforesaid, within the jurisdiction of this Court,
with force and arms wickedly and traitorously,
by means of the- said cannon, muskets, pistols,
swords, cutlasses, powder, shot, shells, cart
ridges, percussion caps, and other warlike
weapons so luniishod, provided and supplied
by the said Jeffefcon Davis as aforesaid, on
pose, attack, assault and mako war upon tha
military forces of tho said United Bute* of
America, then aud there to wit: at the county
last aforesaid, ou the day aud year last afore
said, and within the jurisdiction of this Court;
aud did th.vn and there, to wit: ou the day and
year last aforesaid, and at the county and in
tho district last afore-aid, and within the juris
diction of this Court, with force aud arms,
wickedly and traitorously, by means of the
said cannon, muskets,carbines, pistols, swords,
cutlasses, powder, shot, shells, cartridges, per
cussion caps, aud other warlike weapons, so
furnished, provided and supplied by the said
Jeff Davis as aforesaid, kill and wound a largo
number, to wit: the number of live hundred
and upwards, of the said troops of tho said
United States of America, and persons then
and there to wit:
On ihe day and year last-aforesaid, and in
tho country and district aforesaid, and within
the jurisdiction of this Court, being in ar.d a
part of the military lorces of said United States
of America, and so the jurors aforesaid upon
their oath aforesaid, do say that then and
there, that is to say, on the ewaaty-sixth day
of July, in the year of our Lord one thousand
l ight hundred aud sixty-four, at the City of
Washington aforesaid, in the District of Colum
bia aforesaid, and witbjn the jurisdiction of
this Cou’t, in pursuance of bis traitorous inten
tions, imagining and purposes aforesaid, he,
the said Jeff Davis, wdh the paid insurgents so
traitorously assembled, armed aud arrayed as
aforesaid, most wickedly, maliciously a»i trai
torously did ordain, prepare, levy and carry
on war against the United States of America
for the subversion ot the Government of the
United States of America, contrary to the duty
ol his said allegiance and fidelity aud against
ihe Constitution, peace and Government of the
United States of America, and against the form
of the statute of tho said United States of Ame
ica in such case made and p ovided.
E. C. Carrington,
C. S. Attorney for the Dist. of Columbia
On ihe back of the indictment is the follow
ing indorsement :
United States vs. Jefferson Davis—Treason.
Witnesses : Francis I‘. l’.iair, Sr., John B.
Claggett, Gen. M. i> H ardin, Thomas F. Mur
ry, W. D G. E Kirk, John It. McCbosney.
True bill: Guo. 11. Boiiicrkk,
May 2(i, 1865. Foreman.
Tub Erblumen’s Bu.tt.AU ihe foltowing'or
der announcing the appointments in the Freed
inen’s Bureau has been issued lrorn the War
Department :
“ A’ar Department, [
Wasuintitox. Friday, May Iff, 1865. j
"Special (Jf.ukk No. 238 —j he following of
ficers arc hereby assigned to duty as Assistant
Commissioners of ihe Bureau of refugees, freed
men and abandoned lends for the Slates set op
posite their respective names :
“They will report Jo Major General Howard,
United States Volunteers, Commissioner of tho
Bureau of Refugees, Freciimen and abandoned,
lands in this city.
“Brevet Major General R Saxton, 11. S. Vol
unteers, South Carolina and Georgia; Brigadier
General J. VV. Sprague, United Stales Volun
teers, Missouri and Arkansas ; Brigadier Gen
eral Clinton B. Fisk, United States Volunteers,
Kentucky anil Tennessee; Major E. Wlii'tlesey,
Jndge Advocate for the. S-ate of Mississippi;
Major T. \V. Osborne, First New York Artille
ry, for t he State of Alabama; Captain 0. Brown,
Assistant, Quartermaster Volunteers, for the
Slate of Virginia; Captain Horace James, As
sistant Quartermaster Volunteers, for North
Carolina; Captain Thomas W. Conway, Super
intendent Freedmen, department of the Gulf,
(or Louisiana.
“By order of the Secretary of War.'
“E. D. Townsrno. Assistant A ’jt. Gen.”
Treatment of Fi: kp.at. Prisoners-. —A Wash
ington correspondent of the New York Herald,
writes thus concerning the treatment of tho
Federal prisoners al the South during the late
war:
The question which has been agitated as to
who is responsible for the cruel treatment of
bur prisoners confined in Libby and other pri
sons in the South; miy now bo considered as
definitely settled, through no loss a person
than ex-rebel Senator Foote. It appears that
Mr. Foote was a member of the committee in
ihe Senate lo examine into the treatment of
the prisoners and the reports of their harsh
usage and st iiv ition. Hi ? story us told hv his
own relatives, shows a deeper intention than
has been generally supposed, ar.d fastens upon
Jeff Davis and his Cabinet a crime both siart
ling.and appaling in its details. Mr. Foote, it
is said, states that the investigations shown!
conclusive evidence that it was decided in Ca
binet meeting to reduce the rations served out
to the prisoners, that it should so weaken their
constitution, in connection with the confine
ment, that it would destroy I hem as-soldiers,
and mako them when exchanged worthless
Senator boote determined to report these facts
to the Senato, but the balance of the committee
overruled him and suppressed the facts.
My informant further states that it was on
this point that the quarrel between Davis and
Foote broke out afresh, which resulted in Ihe
latter leaving Richmond and king some se
questered spot where such horrid deeds were
not committed,
» —
Stephen Colwell, E. : q ,of Pennsylvania, has
been appointed one of the three commission
ers for revising- the internal revenue laws.
This is the second appointed, the first Mr.
Wells, of Albany, N. Y , having already been
announced. It is understood that the thiid
member of the commission will be appointed
from the West, but the person to be appointed
ha- not yet been decided upon.
It was reported in Nashville that IshamG
Harris, late Governor of Tennessee, had been
captured in the upper part of this State, to.
gether with a large quantity of specie and
Tenaesse bonds,