Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1863-09-09

United States. -.aa--..
DEAR SIR: On the 25th of November last
was advised by an authority, which deemed
likely to be we'll informed rs we'll reliable
and truthful, that the Southern States would
send Representatives to the next Congress
provided that full and general amnesty should
permit them to do so. No guarantee or terms
were asked for other than the amnesty referred
to- Deeming this information of great value il
well founded, communicated it in substance
to the Hon. George Opdyke, the Mayor OF this
city, whom know to hold confidential rela-
ions to members Of your Administration, and
proposing through him, that if the Governmelt
would permit the correspondence, under its
own inspection, would undertake to procure
something definite and positive from persons
connected with the so called Confederate
authorities. Mr.. Opdyke stated in reply that
several Senators from New England States
were Their in this city on their way to Wash
ington, to whom he would at once communi-
cate the proposition, and advise me of the
answer. Knowing that these gentlemen were
Immediately confer with you on their arrival
at the capital, and supposing that / should be
speedily informed of the result, have delayed
1 now learn, however, from Mr.. Opdy Ike this
day, that he failed to see these Senators when
in New York, and that he had not made the
proposition, and that therefore you are not in
possession of it as coming from myself.
As an humble but loyal citizen, deeply i'm
pressed with the great necessity OF restoring
the Union of these States, l ask your immedi-
ate attention to this subject The magnitude
OF the interests at stake warrant some execu-
tive action predicated upon this information,
if it be only to ascertain if it be grounded upon
even probable foun cation. If it shall prove
groundless no harm shall have been done, pro-
vided the inquiry be made, as it can be, with
out compromising the Government or injury
tot no in w an L
however, it shall prove we'll founded, there is
no estimate too high to place upon its national
value.
gentlemen whose former political and social
relations with the leaders of the Southern re-
volt may be allowed to hold unofficial CORES
sondence with them on this subiect-the cor
respondence to be submitted to you. 1t may
be thus ascertaned what, if any, credence may
be given to these statements, and also whether
peaceful solution of the struggle may not be
attainable l am sure nothing that 1 can say
can add to your own well known desire to pro-
duce this result. Your exalted position, the
embarrassments and responsibilities which
surround you upon all sides, the bleeding con-
dition of the country, becoming exhausted not
only in the impoVerishment of its best life
blood, of industrial production, but in the de-
terioration and consequent destruction OF our
political institutiOns-all call upon You, as our
chief ruler, to take one step upon the road or
peaceful effort, by which TO ascertain whether
the time has not arrived when other methods
military force has failed to do.
In the origin of this struggle, you foresaw
that such q time would come. Your inaugural
address, delivered near two years ago, pointed
out with prophetic vision the certain results OF
the impending conflict of arms. Your Ian.
guage then was, Suppose you go to war, you
cannot fight always, and when, after much loss
on both sides, and no gain on either, you cease
fighting, the identical questions as to terms of
intercourse are again upon you" You saw
that after a bloody and terrible struggle " the
still small voice OF reason" would inter vene
and settle the controversy. You know that
since the establishment of Christian civilization
neg citation and compromise have, sooner or
later, determined every military contest. It
cannot be otherwise here. Has not the time
a6bihed ieaEsP ia ohg asiedWg
to ascertain whether the identical questions ~
about which we began the fight may not be
amicably and honorably adjusted, and the
"terms of intercourse" be once more peaceably
established 1t is to this end that now adj
dress you-with confidence in your patriotism,
and with no desire to interfere with your legitl-
mate constitutional prerogatives.
l am, with high respect, yours very truly,
FERNANDO WOOD.