Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1864-09-06

Richmond, Aug. 25, 1864
Sr-Numerous publications which have recent
" appeared in the uraals OF the United States,
on lie subject OF informal oyertures for peace
between he two Fedealians OF States now at
war on this contaent, render il dtslrable that you
should be fully advised Of the views and policy Of
this Government on a matter OF such paramount
importance. It's likewise proper that you should
be accurately informed Of what has occurred or
the several occasions mentioned in the published
statements.
You have heretofore been furnished with copies
Of the manifesto issued by the Congress Of the
Confederate States with the approval of the Presi.
dent. on the l4th Of June last, and have doubt.
less acted in conformity with the resolution which
requested that copies Of this manifesto should be
ald before foreign Governments. The prnci.
pal sentiments and purposes by which these States
have been and are still actu,ted," are set forth in
that paper with all the authority due to the solemn
declaration of the Legislative and Executive De-
nartments of this Government, and with a clear
ness. which leaves no room for comment or expa
nation. In few sentences il is pointed out that
all we ask is immunity from interference with our
internal peace and prosperity, aud to be left in
the und,turbed enl1yment Of those inallenabe
rights Of lie, liberty and the pursuit of happiness
which our common ancestors declared TO be the
equal heritage Of oil parties to the socal compact.
Let them lorbear aggressions upon us, and the
war is al An end. lf there be questions which
REQUIRE adjustment by negotiation, We have ever
been willing and are still willing to enter into
communication with our adyerslrles, in a spirit OF
peace, Of equity and mauly irankness.' The
manifesto closed with the declaration that We
commit our cause to the enlightened judgment Of
the world, to the ober reflections Of our adversa
ries themselves, and to the solemn and righteous
arbitrament Of heaven
Within very few weeks after the publication
of this manifesto, it seemed TO have met with
response rom President Lincoln. In the early
mart OF las, month letter was received by Gen.
Lee from Lieut.. Gen. Grant, in the following
words:
HEADQUARTERS ARMIES or TnE L. s, I
CITY POINT, Vs., July s, 1864.
" Gen. r. T.. Lee, Commanding Confederate
forces near PttersLtEg, Yuginia;
GENERAL II woild request Jhlt Col Jamas
T. Jaques, Seventy third Illinois Volunteer In.
l,ntry, and ]. k. Gilmore Esq. be allowed TO
meet Col. Robert Ould, Commissioner for the
Exchange Of prisoners, at such place between the
lines Of the two armies as you may designate.
Inc object OF the meeting is legitimate with the
duties Of Col. OuId, as Commissioner.
Ii not consistent for you TO grant the request
here asked, would beg that this be referred TO
President Davis ior.hs action.
Requesting as early an answer to this com
municalon as you may fnd ii convenient to make,
subscribe myself very respectfully your obed'-
tn, servant,
u. S. GRANT, Leut.-Gen, U. 5. A."
On the reference OF this letter to the President
he authorized Colonel Ould to meet the persons
named in General Grants letter, and Colonel
Ould, after seeing them, returned to Richmond
and reported to the President, in the presence Of
the Secretary Of War and myself, that Messrs.
JAques and Gilmore had not sAd anything TO
hm about his duties as Commissioner for exchange
of prisoners, but that they asked permission to
come to Richmond for the purpose OF seeing the
President; that they came with the knowledge
and approya. of President Lincoln, and under his
pass; that they we're informal messengers sent
with a view of paving the way for meeting of
formal Commissioners authorized TO negotiate for
peace, and desired to communicate n President
JAWS the views of Mr.. Lincoln, and 10 obtain the
Presidents views in return, SO as to arrange for
a meeting of Commss oners. Colonel Oud stated
that he had told them repeatedly that 1t was use-
les, to come to Richmond to talk OF peace on any
other terms than the recognized ndep. ndence Oi
the Coui,doney, to which hey said they were
aware OF that, and that they we're, nevertheless,
confident that their interview would result IN peace.
lbe President, on this report of Colonel Ould,
determined TO permit them TO come to Richmond
under his charge
On the evening OF the 10th Of July, Colonel
/ Ould conducted these gentlemen 10 a hOlel IN
| Richmond where a room was provided T them,
in which they were to remain under sutyeill1n nee
during their stay here, and the next morning
received the following ettor
"Spo1swooD HoTEL, RICHMOND, Va, July H.
" Hon J. r. Bcydmin, Secretary Of Siaie, Con
jederdtc Siaies Of Americd'
Dear Sr--Ibe lndersgued, james L. Jaque,
OF Illinois, aud James X Gilmore VI Massaonu.
selts, most respectfully solicit an interview with
President DAVIS. They visit Richmond as pri'
vate citizens, and have no Official character or au'
thorty but they are fully possessed Of the views
Of the United States Government relative TO an
adjustment of the differences nov existing be-