The Portland daily press., 1862-12-11
Reported Peace Propositions from JEFF.
Davis.

Davis.
CHICAGO, ILL.,, Dec. 10.
j. Wesley Green, formerly of Pittsburp.
publishes long statement to-day in the Times
of this city of the following effect: 81 was
called on by gentleman from Baltimore Oct.
22d, who informed me that JEFF. Davis greatly
desired me to go to Richmond. After two or
three interviews with this gentleman con-
scented to go. / arrived at Richmond on the
18th of October, and on calling on Mr.. Davis
was informed by him that he, Davis, desired
termination of the war and an amicable adjust
ment of the difficulties between the North and
Sonth. Mr.. Davis said he wanted some per-
son on whom he could rely who would 90 to
Washington and present to Mr.. Lincoln, in
formally, certain propositions which he, Davis,
thought might lead to the desired end At
first l objected TO being the bearer of the
proposition of Mr.. Davis, fearing might be
put in Fort Lafayette, but finally consented
TO do so.
The propositions of Mr.. Davis are in SUBJ
stance as follows:
LIST. A general and unconditional amnesty
to all political offenders against the federal
government, such as would place them in the
position they occupied before the commence
ment of hostilities, respecting all their immu-
mites, rights and privileges.
I'd. The restoration of all fugitive slaves
WILllu Tic COutTOi Oi iut ltutFdl government.
and guarantee that the general government
will give the entire weight of its influence and
authority in carrying out the provisions of the
fugitive slave law Tor the recovery of those
fugitives who have passed beyond the control
of the government.
Sd. Each contending party shall be held re-
sponsible only for the debt incurred by it, the
same as If they had been recognized independ-
ent powers. These propositions, as Mr.. Davis
expressed 1t, are on the basis upon which a
restoration of the Union can be effected.
There were many other points upon which
Mr. Davis spoke, but he said there would be
very little difficulty in reference to them if the
major propositions were agreed upon.
Mr.. Lincoln's proclamation to liberate the
slaves seemed TO annoy Davis, who casually re-
marked that sit would play He'll with u.s.
This, Mr.. Davis explained, by saying that if
the proclamation of Mr.. Lincoln was not sus-
pended or revoked, it would only be slim
illus to an interminable and ruinous war. Mr.
Davis said the proclamation of Mr.. Lincoln
was regarded throughout the South as bid
for a servie insurrection. Mr.. Davis also re-
marked that should the Administration Of Mr.
Lincoln be deposed TO let these propositions
drop, and should the facts come TO the peo-
pie of the North, il woald cafse such a howl
ing about the ears of the Administration as
would compel them to do something towards
arriving al termination oil the war between
the North and South"
Having returned to Pittsburg, Mr.. Greene
wrote to President Lincoln on the 4th of Nov,
expressing willingness to visit Washington,
If requested to do so. On the 10th of Nov.
Mr.. Greene received a telegram from Secre-
tary Stanton, requesting him to come to WASH
ington. Mr.. Greene called on President Lin
coln,and related everything in connection with
his, Greene's, visit to Richmond. The same
afternoon Mr.. Greene attended Cabinet
meeting, at which he repeated the statements
to President Lincoln. Next morning Mr..
Greene was again sent for by the President, and
attended second Cabinet meeting the same
afternoon. Mr.. Greene called on President
Lincoln on three successive mornings after
wards.
The affidavit of Mr.. Greene is attached to
his statement, and he swears it is true In every
detail and particular. Mr.. Greene gives as
the reason why Mr.. Davis sent for him that he,
Greene, had done Mr.. Davis some service dur
ing the Mexican war, which he, Davis, CRATE
fully remembered, and Mr.. Davis chose him
because he was unknown as a politician, and
because he, Davis, believed that he, Greene,
would present the propositions without en-
numbering them with side issues or minor de-
tails.