The Sun.
London, England, 1861-10-24 00:00:00

" Such a favourable moment for negotiation may not
again occur. Be assured that England and France will not
long remain tranquil spectators of a contest which affects
the interests, I may say the existence, of many millions of
their population. If these Governments find that the
Northerns are unable within a shot period to subdue the
Southerns, they will not only recognise the Southern Con-
federacy as a separate Government, but will violate the
blockade of the Southern ports, which has been partially
established by the navy of the Federalists. If the power of
France and of England be thrown into the scale in favour of
the South, what will become of the honour and interests of
the republic? The American doctrine that the Powers of
Europe ought not to be allowed to interfere with the west-
ern world, will be a theme of universal derision, and both
the Northern States and the Southern States of America
will be brought into contempt amongst the nations of the
earth. I contend, therefore, that instead of denouncing as
a conspirator' and as a propagandist of national dishon-
our and of national ruin' the man who seeks to re-establish
peace in America, you ought rather to hail such a media-
tor as a friend to the great nation of which you have be-
come a citizen. Perhaps it may be still possible to preserve
the Union by peaceful adjustment ; but if this be impos-
sible, let the separation be conducted on amicable
terms. Call not upon an European foe to decide your
fraternal quarrels. The territory which is immediately af-
fected by this strife considerably exceeds, in point of ex
tent, the whole of Europe. Though you and I may deeply
regret that the Union which kept in cohesion this vast
territory is about to be severed, yet such an event must
sooner or later have taken place, and, perhaps, advantages,
which we do not at present foresee may arise from the
separation. For my own part, I should not be surprised
if a separation of the slave States from the Northern
States were to bring about an early emancipation of the
slaves, for I do not believe that slavery can be maintained
in territories which lie contiguous to free States, except by
the aid of a fugitive slave law, which has been for ever re-
pealed. These are my views respecting the present contest
in America; and, to prove the sincerity of my convictions,
am willing to go to America at my ov‘ d expense, to act
as internuncio between the contending parties, in case My
services may be accepted in that capacity. I have been
received or invited as a guest by several of the most distin-
guished statesmen who are now conducting the respective
administrations of the Confederate States and the Federal
Republic. I trust, therefore, that I shall not be regarded
by them as a stranger, and I venture also to hope that,
though I have differed with some of my fellow-countrymen
upon important points, I have not forfeited the confidence
and affection which they testified towards me when I was
in America. I therefore offer to go to America as an un-
ostentatious missionary of peace. ReTing a: public life,
which now extends over a period of 33 years, I have never
solicited office of any kind for myself from either kings,
queens, viceroys, or ministers ; but I ana now disposed to
solicit the situation of unpaid envoy between the contend-
ing sections of the American people, and it will be the
proudest triumph of my life if I can assist in restoring
peace between the disunited members of the great American
family, whose most vital interests are so deeply injured by
this internecine war.—Believe me, my dear friend, most
sincerely yours, " WILLIAM SMITH O'BRIEN.
" To. Mr. Thomas Francis Meagher, New York."
If vanity were a fatal complaint, Smith O'Brien's career
would have long since terminated. What will be his next
proposition ?

THIS DAY'S AIARILETS.

CORN EXCHANGE.

11%itERIAL WEEKLY AVERAGES. Wheat, 56s 3d;
barley, 36s 9d ; oats, 21s 6d ; rye, 31s 9d ; beans, 41s
10d ; and peas, 41s 10d.
THE Six WEEKS' AVERAGES. Wheat, 56s ld ;
barley, 37s Od ; oats, 22s 5d ; rye, 35s 3d ; beans, 41s lld ;
peas, 40s sd.
ENGLISH GRAIN SOLD LAST WEEK.—Wheat, 121,212 ;
barley, 82,499; oats, 15,358 ; rye, 267 ; beans, 4,833 ; peas,
1,625 quarters.