The New York Tribune still affects to believe that good results may come from the recent peace conference, on the basis of reunion, other basis being out of the question. The new amnesty which it was said President Lincoln intended to proclaim has not appeared, at least our papers make no mention of it.
Gen. Lee has proclaimed a pardon for all soldiers, now absent without leave, who report for duty within 20 days, and he appeals to their patriotism. I copy it.
“Headquarters Armies of the Confederate States,
“February 11th, 1865.
“General Orders No. 2.
“In entering upon the campaign about to open, the general-in-chief feels assured that the soldiers who have so long and so nobly borne the hardships and dangers of the war require no exhortation to respond to the calls of honor and duty.
“With the liberty transmitted by their forefathers they have inherited the spirit to defend it.
“The choice between war and abject submission is before them.
“To such a proposal brave men, with arms in their hands, can have but one answer.
“They cannot barter manhood for peace, nor the right of self-government for life or property.
“But justice to them requires a sterner admonition to those who have abandoned their comrades in the hour of peril.