The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1864-09-07
GIRO R..
Department Of State, ,
Richmond. Avg. IS. 1864. s


Richmond. Avg. IS. 1884
SlR,--Numersus publications which have
recently appeared in the journals Of the
United States, on the subjrct Of infnrmal
ssertures Tor peace between the twa fede-
rations oil States now al war ON this conti-
nent. render Il desirable that you should
be fully advised of the views and policy Of
this Government On matter of such para
maant Importance. II 10 likewise proper
that you should be accurately informed of
What has occurred on the several occasions
nentiened IN the public statements.
lou have heretofore been furnished with
copies Of the manifesto issued by the Con-
grrss OF the Confederate States, with the
approval OF the President, On the 18th Of
June last, and have doubtless acted in con.
iarmity with the resolution which request.
ra thst copirs oi this manifesto should be
laid before foreign Governments. "Ths
principles. sentiments and purpose. by
which these States have been, and are still
sctuated, are set forth in that paper with
al the authority due TO the solemn decla.
ration 81 The Legislative and Executive
clearnrss which leaves no room far com
meat or erplaqstian. In few sentences
u Is pointed sut that ali we ask is immuni-
y irom interference with our internal
peace and prosperity. sand to be left IN
the undsiurbrd enjoyment of those inal-
irnablr rights Of life. liberty and the pur-
suit of happiness, which our common an
csstsrs dscIsred Ia be ihe,equal heritage Of
ell parties To the social casnpact. let
. them inrbear aggressions upon US, and the
war is at an end. II there be questions
which rrqOirc adjustment BY negotiation,
We have ever been willing and are still
willing 10 enter into communication with
aus advsrsarirs. in a spirit Of peace, ol
equity and manly frsnknrss" The msn-
iirsts closed with the declaration that " We
comm, our cause to the enlightened judg-
meni of He wrlld, 70 the sober reflections
of our adyersaEies themselves, and 10 the
salrmn and righteous srbitranent OF hea-
ven"
Within very frv weeks after the pub
licaiion Of this manifesto. It seemed 20 have
mrt with response from President Lin
saln. ln the early part Of last month a
letter vas received by Gen. Lee, IRON
Lieut.. Gen. Grant, IN the following words:
headquarters Army cf the 4. So
CITY Point. Va, July 8, 1854.
General X. r.. Ire, csmmasding
Confederate frea near Peiersburg, Va.
GENERAL ~ would request that Col.
James 4. jacques, I'D lIiinoi. volunteer
infantry, aud J. r. Gilmore. Esq. be al.
lowed TO meet Col. Robert Oul,i. Commits
sinner for the Exchange OF Prisoners. at
such place between the lines u! tile Two ar.
mics as you may designate. 'rhe object oI
the meeting is legitimate with the dutie.
q Col. Ould, as Commissioner.
II not consistent for you To grant the
request here asked. | would beg that tn,
be referred 10 President Dasi., ior lis ac.
tiun.
Requesting IS early an answer 20 thi,
Communication as YOU may find il conve.
nicut to make, subscribe myself, very
respectfully. ysur obcdent servant.
u. S. GRANT,
Lieut.. General u. 5. A."
On the reference Of this letter to the
President, he authorized Col. 0ad to nee
the persons named in Gen. Grant's letter
and Col. 0uld, after seeing them, return
sd 70 Richmond and reported = tie Prasi
dent, IN the presence Of ,nc Secretary o
War and myself. thasyMsssrs. jacques
and Gilmore had not said anything 70 hin
s5out us duties ss conmissiestf l9r ex
char OF prisonys, 5at thst theY. asktt
per ION 70 conc Z, llghmtad .or thr
pr 'se Of see'1g fas fsqatfFAs lhat ihg,
came with ~ so I approval .