The Wyandot pioneer. (Upper Sandusky, Ohio) 1853-1868, 1864-09-16
THE GILMORE. JACQUES MISSION 70
RlCHM0ND.
Confederate Statement Of the Affair.
Circular from Secretary Benjamin to Com
missioner Mason.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, RIcnMoSp,


sH H." Aug 25, 1864. !
SIR-Numerous publications Which have
recently appeared in the journals of th'
United States, on the subject Of intorma
overtures for peace between the Federation
of States now at war on tins continent
render it desirable that YOU shuull be foil,
advised Of the views and policy OF this gov
eminent Oh a matter OF such pa'alroun
Importance 1t is likewise proper that yot
should likewise be accurately ln(ormc'l' o
what has occurred On the several occasion,
mentioned in the published statements.
You have heretofore been furnished witt
copies Of the manifesto issued by the Con.
rress Of the Confederate States with the
approval Of the President, on the l4th o.
June last, and have doubtless acted in con
conformity with the resolution which re-
Qn4sled that copies of this manifesto sil ,nIJ
lie laid before foreign governments, "lhe
priuc1ile sediments and purpose by whlrt
thee States have been and are still actuated
are set forth in that paper with all the au'
thotily due to the soemn declaration OF the
Legislative and Executive Departments o
this government and with clesrness whci
leaves no room for comment or explanation
| Iii h few sen e1c s it is pointed out that al
we ask is immunity from interference with
our in erual peace and prosperity, "and to
be left to the undistutbed enjoyment OF those
inaIienable rights of life, liberty, and the
pu,shit Of happiness, which our common
ancestors declared to be the eqna! heritage
of all palths 10 the social compact. Lei
them forbear aggression upon US, and the
war is at an end If there be questions
which require adjustment by negotiation. we
have ever been willing, and are still wllllrg'
to enter into communication with our ad'
versares, in a spI,lt of peace, of equity, and
of manly frahkness" rhe manifesto closed
with the declaration that 1--WE commit our
cause to the enlightened Judgment Of the
world, to the sober reflections Of our adver,
saries themselves, and to the solemn and
righteous arhitrament of hearen," "|'"
Within very few weeks After the pub
licaiion of this manifesto. it seemed to hav"
met with aresponse from President Lincoln
In the early part Of last montha letter wa
received by Gen. Lee ritom, Lieut. Den
Grant, in the following wortis;l sr ''- .'a
"IFeadquarlers Armies of the U, States
City Point, VA, Jhy'9, 1864
seen. Il f. lee. Comnanding Cohfc,lorat~
forces near Petersburg, Virginia:
"GENERAL-I would reqftst that Col
james f. Jacques, T3l Ihuols, Volunteer
lnfantry, and j. r Gilmore, Esq, be al'ow
ed to meet Col. Robert Odd. Commissioner
for the Exchange Of Prisoners at such place
between the lines Of the two armies as you
may designate. The o. jrct of the meetn2
is legitimate with the duties Of Col OuId, as
Commissioners. ""
"lf not consistent for YOU to grant the
request here asked, would beg that this
be referred to President Davis for his action
H "Re1ues'ing as early an answer to This
communication as YOU may find 1t con
venentt to ifiake, I subscribe myself, very
respectfully. your oned'ent servant,
"o,o' 'hsSr' h'eut' ue''; o. o A.
On the reference OF ll's lfltef 10 lie
President he auth'r'zea Uo.. qua 10 meet
the persons named IN Hen. ufanIs lelt'r,
and Col ould, after seeing them, returned
toiRlchmond aad reported to the President,
in thepresence of the Secretary OF war and
mNSeH, 'hal MeS'lS' 'aeaees "'i' u'''''"te
had not sali anything 10 MN ABOUT h't
duties as Co'pu'sSloner 'for ExchanSe. OF
Pr'"auefs' but 'hat 'Pev asked PERMISSION
to come to Richmond tor the purpose OF
seeing the PRESIDENT that they came WIN
the knowledge a"d approval OF PRESIDENT
Lincoln. and under as pass 'ha' Tue. we're
informal messengers sept, with view OF
paving The way for q meeting OF formal o1 n,
Commissioners apth9rlze@ to negotiate TOR
peace, ana deslf4 to coqmun'cale 10 fresi
dent Davis the views OF Mr - Lincoln and to
obtain tue Presidents views 10 return, SO as
to arrange tor meeting OF commissioners ,ins