The Van Buren Press

Washington Correspondence

WASHINGTON, D. C., May 17, 1868.

Dear Sir: I heard the vote given yesterday on the 11th article of impeachment; leading radicals had assured me that if the vote was taken at all it would only be because they were sure of the necessary two-thirds: this was the prevailing opinion, consequently when it was decided to vote, and that tail end foremost, selecting the 11th as the most certain, impeachment stock went off "a kiting."

It was whispered, however, before the voting commenced that there were yet six "doubtful Senators:" Van Winkle and Willey of West Virginia Anthony and Sprague of Rhode Island. Ross of Kansas, and Fowler of Tennessee. Of course hundreds of lorguettes were leveled at these Senators, and their every motion was noticed. Ross and Sickles—Burton—Key—Sickles—had an earnest conversation. and from the emphatic questions of the young Senator from Kansas. it appeared that he disagreed with the military impeacher. Out of these six three votes were necessary to acquit the President. Anthony came first; his vote of guilty sent that stock still higher. The next doubtful was Fowler. Every body on the floor and in the galleries stretched forward with feverish anxiety to hear: the rustle consequent on such anxiety rendered his vote inaudible. Sumner who sits only a few seats off called out, " What is the Senator's vote?" Fowler answered in a tone that sent the aforesaid stock trembling." not guilty." Sumner fell back in his chair as if felled by the " stick" of Brooks. Then came Ross with his cheering " not guilty" followed by Sprague the other way : Van Winkle made the exact number.

An effort was made to prevent the announcement of the vote. but it was nevertheless proclaimed. The next move was to prevent a vote on the other articles, knowing that the President would be acquitted by even a larger vote; this was accomplished by an adjournment until the 26th inst.

This looks to me like " the beginning of the end;" before the 26th of this month Arkansas and four or five other negro constructed States will be admitted: the Senators from those States are expected to vote for impeachment, on the present articles, or if deemed expedient, new articles will be proposed, and the President is to be got rid of anyhow.

Hancock, McClellan, Blair and Farragut are the military candidates of the speculating leaders of the Democracy; while Hendrix and Pendleton head the civil list. Gov. English of Connecticut, is one of the strongest men yet proposed for the second place on the ticket.

Grant will surely be nominated at Chicago next Wednesday ; Wade or Wilson will be the nominee for Vice President; though Colfax has considerable pretensions.

Of course, amid all the excitement on the subject of impeachment, scarcely any legislative business is done. Indian business particularly suffers; the Cherokees have a very important treaty before the Indian Department; there is a good prospect to put it through. if time only can be got to consider it; it will give a large amount of money to every man, woman and child in the Cherokee Nation; and increase largely their National School and orphan funds; it is by far the best treaty ever made for the Cherokees. The Cherokees have had as able men before for their representatives, but never before in this generation has there been such perfect harmony and good will among them. Colonel Downing, distinguished as a loyal Cherokee. with his colleagues of the same war record. Mr. Reese. Capt. Scraper and Capt. Smith, are doing their best in co-operation with Col., Adair and Capt. Porum Davis. Maj. Scales, and that " rebel Indian" Boudinot, to advance the interests of all their people without distinction of party.

If they fail to make a treaty satisfactory to every Cherokee. it will only be because of the troublous condition of the times, and not because they lack zeal and ability to do so.

Truly yours,
VIATOR.