The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-06-14

JsFFERsoN DAVIS ON PEAcE.-This gentle
man, now wearing the title of President
Of the so-called Southern confederacy,. has
been waited upon by the Commissioners from
tie Msry land Legislature, and has written
letter to them, which will be found elsewhere.
1t will plainly be seen by this wonderful and
extraordinary document that he is not posted
in regard to the position of Maryland, and
has not received the intelligence that she is
furnishing troops to put down the conspirators
against the Union, of which be Davis is the
acknowledged chief. Toe letter is a singular
one, and exhibits decided change of front
from former epistles of the leader of the
Southern insurrection. The bristling of
Northern bayonets and the stoppage of
supplies by the blockade have evidently
wrought charge in his mind. This last mani
festo of the chief of the Montgomery con-
spirators, written on the eve of his departure
from that deserted capital, is we'll worthy
careful perusaL 1t is curious az we'll as
strong documeDt-strong for peace. Anxiety for
their fate and cries for peace are its prominent
characteristics. 1t may be summed up in the
following three points namely, fears that Mary
land will not come to their rescue conquest of
additional territory inconsistent with their
principles, and strong and imploring desire
for peace.
This message commences with an acknow.
Judgement Of pleasure "tbat tho people of
Maryland are enlisted with their whole hearts
ON the side of reconciliation and peace" Then
follows paragraph maniiestng great ankle
ty that Maryland twill yet seek to unite her
fate and fortunes With those Of this (5outhern)
confederacy." To accomplish this he desires
the administration OF Washington to suspend
hoetilities and let them alone until the Fourth
of July under the plea Of affordng al oppor-
unity for Congress "to arrange for an adjust
ment of existing troubles" In the next para
graph is the real point of toe letter, in which
the rebel President asserts, I" ia the most en-
phatic terms, their sincere desire is for peace,
and that they would readily entertain any pro-
position from the United States tending to a
peaceful solution of the present difficulties"
The letter, we apprehend was written for the
sole purpose Of Informing the United States
government of this fact. Three months ago
nothing but conquest Of The whole North
would satisfy him-6rst Washington, next New
York, and then Boston, where his palmetto flag
vas to be unfnrled on the Fourth Of July
next. The events that have transpired in this
benighted region since the first movement to
carry out that programme, or the attack
upon Fort Sumter, have caused JEFF. Da-
Wis and his party to SEQ new visions.
His cry of war and conquest is now
turned to that of wailings for peace In order
that there shall be no misunderstanding as to
his anxiety for peace, he adds, in conclusion,
IF any further assurance of the desire Of this
government for peace were necessary, it would
be sufficient to observe that being formed Of 0
confederation of sovereign States, the right of
every other State to assume selfgoveInment is
acknowledged. Heuce, conquest of other States
is wholly inconsistent with the fundamental
principles, and subversive Of the very orgsni
zation of this government Its policy is peace
peace" Truly JEFF Davis is in deplorable
state Of mind. If the attitude of the North
caused such wonderful change in his plans
whilst he was in Montgomery, what must be his
present condition of mind now that he has had
time to survey the field from Richmond? In
cur opinion the best that can be done for him
is to turn him over to the tender mercies Of
General Scott.