Richmond Whig, 4/11/1865, p. 4, c. 2
A SPECIAL dispatch to the New York Tribune, from Washington, dated 7th instant, says:
"The rumor that the President is earnestly engaged in Richmond in settling upon some just and generous proffer of pardon to the Rebel rank and file, gains credence in influential quarters. It is known that Secretary Seward was summoned to convene there with the President the day of his serious accident. Grant also telegraphed the Secretary of War, requesting that no one be permitted to visit Richmond for the present, while rumor asserts that commissioners, official of self-constructed, from Alabama, Georgia and North Carolina, are in that city, and in conference with the President."
The correspondent of the Tribune is mistaken in locating the President at Richmond. He only remained here a few hours, and then proceeded, we believe, to Fort Monroe.
In this connection we may say that the resent interview between the President and Judge Campbell related to the restoration of peace in all the States, and not to Virginia alone, as might be inferred from the brief notice of the "consultation of citizens" published in the Whig of Saturday. Whilst every one will rejoice at the restoration of peace and prosperity in all the States, we cannot refrain from the expression of the hope that the public men who are to take part in the reinstatement of Virginia to her ancient position in the sisterhood of States, will address themselves to that business without unnecessary delay. Virginia was not consulted nor waited for when Secession became the determined policy of the "Cotton States," and there is no sound reason why "co-operation" with them, in accepting the President's terms of peace, should be the rule of proceeding now. Let Virginia lead the way back to the Union, and present an example of prompt action to the other States of the late "Confederacy."