Chronicle & sentinel. (Augusta, Ga.) 1864-1866, June 14, 1865, Image 1

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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,