Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-05-16

different elections. especially in the election of Mir. Jefferson in 1895, Mir. Madison Tn 1909. and Mr. Pierce in 1892.
 1 In the exercise of right so ancient, so well established, and so necessary for self preservation, the people of the Confederate l States in their conventions, determined that the wrongs which they had endured, and the evils with which they were threatened, reouire.l that they should revoke the pow CTS delegated to the federal government, which they had ratified in their several con- ventions. They consequently passed ordi- nances resuming all their rights as sover- eign and independent States, and dissolved their connection with the other States of the Union.
 1 Having done this, they proceeded to form new compact among themselves, by new articles of confederation, which have been also ratified by the conventions ot the se- veral States with an approach to unanlmity far exceeding that of the conventions which adopted the constitution of l181. They have organized their new government Tn all its departments; the functions of the exc l cutive, legislative and judicial magistrates are performed in accordance with the will of the people as displayed, not merely in cheerful acquiescence, but in the enthusias- tic support of the government thus estab- lished by themselves; and but for the inter- ference of the government of the United ] States in this legitimate exercise of the right of people to self government, peace, happiness and prosperity would now smile on our land.
 That peace is ardently desired by this government and people, has been manifest ed in every possible form. Scarce had you assembled in February last, when, prior even to the inauguration of the chief mag
 strate you had elected, you passed reso- lution expressive of your desire for the ap- pointment of commissioners to be sent to the government of the United States " for the purpose of negotiating friendly rela- tions between that government and the Confederate States of America and for the settlement of all questions of disagreement between the two governments upon primer ples of right, justice, equity and good faith. "
 It was my pleasure as well as my duty, to cooperate with you in this work of ' 'Ai taking the oath of office, and before receiv ing from you the communication of this resolution, 1 had said, " as necessity, not a choice, we have resOrted to the remedy of separation and henceforth our energies must be directed to the conduct of our own affairs and the perpetuity of the confederacy which we have formed. If just percep. tion of mutual interest shall permit us peaceably to pursue our separate political career, my most earnest desire will have been fulfilled"
 It was in furtherance of these accordant views of the Congress and the executive, that 1 made choice of three discreet, able and distinguished citizens, who repaired to | Washington. Aided by their cordial CO., operation, and that of the secretary of state, every effort compatible with self respect and the dignity of the contederacy, was exhausted before l allowed myself to yield to the conviction that the government of the United States was determined to attempt the conquest of this people, and that our cherished hopes of peace were un- attainable.
 On the arrival of our commissioners in Washington, on the 9th of March. they postponed, at the suggestion of a friendly intermediary, doing nothing more than givinp informal notice of their arrival.- III. '-"o with view to afford time ! fI 1l|I lllllnsnt who had just been inar,pu- rated, for the discharge of other pressing official duties in the organization of his administration, before engaging his atten tion in the object of their mission. It was not until the l2th of the month that they officially addressed the srcretary of state, informing him of the purpose of their ar rival, and stating in the language of their 1 instructions their wish "to make to the government of the Unitel States overtures for the opening of negotiations assuring | the government of the United States, that the President, Congress and tke people of the Confederate States, earnestly desire a peaceful solution, of these great questions; that it is neither their interest nor their wish to make any demand which is not founded on strictest justice nor do any act to iniure their late confederate.
 TO this communication no formal reply was received until the Sth April. During the interval, the commissioners had con sented to waive all questions of form.-- | With the firm resolve to avoid war if pos sible, they went so far, even, as to hold, during that long period, unofficial inter course through an intermediary whose high position and character inspired the hope of l success, and through whom constant assur- ances were received from the government of the United States of peaceful intentions of the determination to evacuate Fort | Sumter; and further, that no measure changing the existing stafus preludicially to the Confederate States. especially at Fort Pickens, was in contemplation, but that in the event of any change of inten- ton on the subject, notice would be given to the commissioners. The crooked paths of diplomacy can scarcel y furnish an ex ample so wanting in courtesy, candor and directness as was the course of the United States government toward our commis- sioncrs in Washington. For proof of this, l refer to the annexed documents marked -, taken in connection with further facts which now proceed 10 relate
 Early in April the attention of the whole country, as we'll as that of our comm mssion- CTS, was attracted to extraordinary prepara tions for an extensive military and naval expedition.in New York and other northern ports. These preparations, commenced in secrecy for an expedition whose destination was concealed, only became known when nearly completed, and on the 5th, 9th and 7th April, transports and vessels of war, with troops, munitions and military sup plies, sailed from northern ports cbound southward. Alarmed by so extraordinary demonstration, the commissioners re- quested the delivery of answer to their off cial communication of the 18th March, and thereupon received on the Sth April re- ply dated on the 18th of the previous month, from which it appears that during the whole iterval, while the commissioners were receiving assurances calculated to in- spire hope of the success of their mission, the Secretary of State and the President of