The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1863-03-20

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Dear Sr-YUur efforts to suggest some
plan by wnich the war might be short
ened, have been praiseworthy. SO little
! had been indicated north Of the Ohio
river that it lett every move open TO seri-
Gus objections.
Time and efforts produced by the valor
/ of our troops, seem to have given exist
| enCe to sentiment which deserves Il
watchtul attention from the statesmen OF
the South.
THIS sentiment is found among the ag-
ricultural interests in the = Northern "
Valley OF the Mississippi river, and man
! ly among the old Democrats Of that re-
! gion. We occupy u position now, and
have always done so, that we cOul not
make proposals to the Lincoln Govern
ment. That is the true position shll. TO
that, we bid defiance: but to the Lpgis-
arures Of Indiana and Illinois, and other
States of the Northern Valley Of the Mis-
sissippi, which may'come to their couclu
SION, hold a different policy to be cor
rect. We should meet their resolutions,
with all the concessions which we caA
consistently make IN trade and general
commerce, including of course, the free
navigation Of the Mississippi river, upon
conditions thus:
lst. Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin,, Iowa.
Kansas and Minnesota, and perhaps Ohio,
shall form the Northern Confederacv. =
ID Both Conlederaclea, ''Sautt rn Z
aaid ls SuYthrrp, A1a ~ poiitiayy Ffiel
pendent. All the slave States 10 beioug
/. to the Southern Conioior1cv
pl A Isutr1o battva.y, tlt, tr~, ,,f'.-.i,...
and defensive: and runaway Slaves to be
returned; the navigation Of the Mlssls
slppi river and free trade, and imports"
at our Tariff.
Advantages to both Confederacies. The
Southern Conlederacy" obtains peace.
A strong Ally in war and protection to
slavery. Her independence acknowl-
edged by the Northern Contederacy,
which will be sufficient She obtains for
her seaboard cities the importatlons for
both Conlederacles, and their ireIgbt on
her rivers and railroads.
The NortLer Contederacy gets rid
OF the responsibility of slavery. 1t may
assume whatever portion Of the immense
war debt now existing, they may decide
upon.
1t secures importations at our low tariff
1t secures its former market in the South
for its agricultural productions, and the
same use of the great Mississippi river,
It's political independence gives position
and place 10 its rising statesmen. It's to
pography and unity of pursuit. insttu-
tlOns and labor; secure harmOnY in legls-
latlon, and promise great prosperity. The
two together secure the adjacent terrific
ries, very important point; as they can
not be united to the remnant of the old
United Stat, 5, lying East including New
England, which brought on the war. The
twoConiederacles would become the great
powers" OF the American Continent.
The Southern CoEtedercy," based
upon slave labor, would always preUonder.
ate in intellect; and would control.
| present tins TO your well stored, pro.
life mind, as an outline OF what may
come out Of a wise course. in meeting the
sentiment Of the North West, heretofore
alluded to.
1t is true they have fought us; invaded
our country and wronged Us terribly but
that is done, and cannot be recalled. IL
is u matter OF incalcuabIe advantage to
our Coniederacy stop the sacrifice of
life, and Of some importance to limit the
debt, and restore our citizens to their
homes. Concession can be made TO the
Northern Conlederacy' torn,d d OF the
States named which will stop the war
and will benefit US az the same tine. As a
cotton planter, and slave owner, ! would
greatly prefer the league, on the terms
mentioned, to separate iLdependehce,
with the enemy oil that people, to lhe in
sttuton OF slavery. As soon as they are
disconnected from slavery. 1t will cease
to be discussed, everywhere.
II we are not strong, II may generate
another war. The league gives great
strength. Under this league can br EN-
braoed what they mean by reconstruction.
That is their position will be as good or
better than before, and - States viii be
IN the league, instead OF 80. But the
New England States, New Jersey Della
ware, &G., are Of no importance " them.
They have secured the mai ket add trade,
and for these they were lighting; aud are
also politically disconnected from slavery.
Indeed they thus obtain all ihey are con
tending for. They say they are not fight
ing to free the slaves. We obtain All we
are contending for.
find ultra men unwilling 10 do any
thing but fight on, They are not IN the
army, have been with the army since
its organization. know the opinion ana
sentiment Of the army They nave sui
iered sufficiently aud desire peace.
II the North West are met on the basis
proposed herein, think we viii enter
the wedge witch will under the present
authorities conducting the war Lncpin
will carry on the war during his adlhuu-
trauon. If he cn1 get the support Of these
State. We then .A5Do De- ou tho alert