Arkansas true Democrat., 1862-01-23
Letter from Hon. R. w. Johnson.
RICHMOND, Jan. !, 1862.

RICHMOND Jan. 1. lo0L. EDITOR TRUE DEMOCRAT
 l Ny Deer Sir: l have leisure moment and 1 will write you line. All chance Of any further serioos conflict is over for the winter The Mason and Slidell affair is partially, but only ] partially settled. What the powers and nstruc- tions of Mason and Slidell may be, 1 do not 1 know. But, in my judgment, whilst I re. 1 gard 1t as impossj5}e for England to submit to the blockade longer tAan M1Y, and that Eng 1 land and France will be as ono in their action ! upon the American question. must believe that they anticipate, as 8 condition of their al- 1 liance with us, some decided commercial con. sessions. That they will defer action, to the latest moment, that they can endure the ruin 10 which their commerce, manufactures and navi. gation Is at present subjected, with view to commercial treaties, l do not doubt. Still, l am gratihed to know, that our Ministers have gone over, and whilst winter depends, Ia proper period of negotiation and 2reparation,) and whilst the present difficulties and heart burnings are in debate unsettled by the United States, and whilst the national distress in England and France are rapidly augmenting each day and week, there are strong hopes not only that the blockade will be raised, but that an alliance will be concluded between us by or before April Of the recognition of our independence by England and France, make no doubt, before spring.
 It IS certainly in our power 10 concede, for limited term of years valuable and exclusive ! privileges to those two powers, in consideration of their alliance and prompt aud efficient aid to establish our independence and peace, and our national boundaries; and though no one can know, yet feel confident that the powers and instructions to our ministers may be sufficient, It least, to ensure the opening of our markets, if not efect more.
 1 Our Indian treaties are all ratified and 2ppro- priatons of money to carry them cut are m ,de. 1 Gen. Pike left for New Orleans and as rapiby as possible fer the Nations. 1 have no fear but that his influence, intelligence and faithful la hor5 will secure to us very soon, restoration of 1 peace among the tribes oil opr frontier, and 1 carry the war far north of usa
 i The evident wisdom, and the liberalized and enlarged spirit of humanity and morality, of civilization and progress, and of justice and fra 1 ternal feeling, which have characterized the ac- ton and policy of Gen. Pike, as Illustrated in these treaties with our Indians, have secured the undivided approval of the government, and have for himself applause and increased respect. Until engaged upon the ratification of | tl,, IoJ 0f bo mense amount of labor performed by him, nor 1 of the plexities, research and difficulties 1 encountered through the mass of old treaties with the United States, as well as through the 1 perycrsity Of individuals and parties nor of the accurate legal knowledge, sound practical judg ;nent and patience and decision of character, which was required 10 secure to us friendly rela tons, and to establish with our Indians a con diton of permanent peace and steady progress. All these objects, believe. have been secured bY his laborS. and do not believe we could have found in the Confederacy another who could So amply and elfectualy have concluded and closed up this work. It is q hard blow to
 the Lincoln government and Kansas ruffians. l. is peace to Arkansas and prosperity to her borders. It is another great and powerful State secured and provided for in our great and glo- rious Southern Contederacy,
 Congress has continued to work on through the Christmas holidays. The most of he pres sing important business has been disposed of. have not been at home over two consecutive weeks 10 attend to my private business, since last October one year ago. l shall have to be here again at the opening of the permanent Congress on February 18th next; so l shall leave for home the 18th or 20th of January, for few
 weeks, to look after my affairs, which sadly need
 it.
 Judge Hemphill, of Texas, died this morning. An able, wise and good man i5 lost to ns
 Yours truly,
 I R. ". JOHNSON.