Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1863-07-14
JEFFERSON DAVIS.
(Signed)
RICHMOND, Sth July, 1868

IICbAOND, ON Suyb looO'
HI ETcelleHcy JEFFERSON Davis:
sR-Under the authority and instructions Of your
letter 10 me of the 2l instant proceeded the mis-
sion therein assigned, without delay Tie steamer Tor
psdo. commanded by Gu enanl Hunter Davidson, Of
the Navy was put in readiness soon possible, by
order OF the Secretary OF the Navy and rendered for
the service. At noon, Oh tie I'd, she started down
James river, hosting and bearing flag OF truce after
passing City Point. Tue day 1.-THE 1th) at ID Tut
one o'clock p. M when within u few miles OF New
port's News we were met by small boat Of the enemy
carving wo guns which also raised white dag before
approaching us. The officer in command informed
Lieutenant Davidson that he had orders from Admiral
Lee on boaN the United States flag ship Minnesota,
living below and then in view not TO allow any boat
vessel 10 pass the point which he was stationed,
without his permission Ply this officer sent to Admi
raj Lee note stating my objects and wishes, copy of
which hereto annexed marked A. also sent to the
Admiral to be forwarded another note in the same ai
guaee addressed to the officer in command of the Und
STATES forces at Fort Monroe The gunboat proceeded
Immediately to the Minnesota with these dispatches
while the Torpedo remained at anchor Between three and
four o'clock p NJ another boat came up TO W. bearil
the Admral's answer, which is hereunto annexed,
marked B.
We remained a: or about this point in the river, uat
the 9Th inst When having heard nothing further from
the Admiral at II o'clock b. on that day, directed
Lieut. Davidson again to speak the gunbOat on guard,
and hand TO the officer IN command another note 10
me Admiral. This done. a copy oil TINS note Is
amended, marked G. At ha.f-past two o'clock ?. NJ.
two boats approached us from below, one bearing an
from the Admiral to my note TO him OF the 4th
Tljs ansTer is annexed, marked D.. The other boat
hare the answer of Lieut.. COL VIM. H. Ludlow, to my
note of the 4h addressed to the officer in command at
Fort Monroe copy of this is annexed, marked L -
Teut Col Ludlow also up in person In the boat thai
boubt 10 me- and conferred with Col. 0ud
hoard the Torpedo upon some matters he desired 70
ace him about In connection with the exchange of prs
opers. P.om the papers appended embracing the cor
respoadl referred to- it will be seen that the mission
failed from the refusal of the enemy to receive or en-.
ter ain IT, holding the proposition for such conference
{" dms able"
The influences and views that led TO this determine
ton after so long consideration of the subject must
ba left % eopicclure The reason assigned for the re-
FMS by the United States Secretary ofWar to wit that
mtbe customary agents and channels are considered
ADEQUATE for all needful military communications and
eonferencesn to one acquainted with the facts seems
not only unsatisfactory, but very singular and
couutable for it certainly known to him that these
very agents 70 whom he evidently alludes heretofore
agreed upon in former conference 10 reference to the
eTchanf of prisoners Zone of the subjects embraced in
your lstter 10 mel now, and have been for some
time distinctly at issue several important points
The existing cartel owing to these dsarrangements 10
virtually suspended, far as the exchange Of officers
on either side is concerned Notices liberalization have
been given on both sides.
The effort therefore, for the very many and cogent
reasons set forth in your letter of nstruco to me- to
see if these derences could not be re owed and if
clearer understanding between the parties as to the
general conduct OF the could not be arrived at be-
fore this extreme measure should be resorted to by