Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1864-09-14
ILI NM N Ll-Ni OI -I<AIL1i
PICUNoSu Y A Aug. 25. 1864


State Department viii explain itself.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
RICHMOND, VA, Aug. 25, 1864.
SIR: Numerous publications which have
recently appeared in the Journals of the
United States on the subject OF informal
oyertures for peace between two Federatlons
Of States now at war on the continent, rem
der it desirable that you should be fully ad-
giscd & tEs=yiewsald policy OF this fioEerlT
ment on matter of such paramount impor-
tance 1t is likewise proper that you should
be accurately informed Of what has occurred
on the several occasions mentioned IN the
published statements.
You have heretofore been furnished with
copies OF the manifesto issued by the Con-
gress of the Confederate States, with the ap-
proyal of the President, on the 18th Of June
last and have doubtless acted In conformity
with the resolution which requested that
copies of this manifesto should be laid before
foreign Governments The principles, san
timents, and purposes by which these States
have been, and are still actuated, are set
forth in that paper with all the authority
due TO the solemn declaration OF the legISia-
tive and executive departments OF this Gov
eminent, and with clearness which leaves
no room for comment or explanation. In
few sentences 1t is pointed out that all we
ask Is non-inter ierence with our internal
peace and prosperity, ''and to be left IN the
undisturbed enjoyment OF those inalIenable
It's Of life, liberty, and the pursuit of
happiness. which our common ancestors de-
cSred to be the equal heritage OF all parties
10 the social compact Let them torbear ag-
gressiOnS upon Us, and the war is at an end.
Ifthere be questions which require adjust
ment by negotiation, We have ever been VII
ling, and are still willing, to enter into com
runication with our SdyersarieS IN a spirit
Of peace, equality, and manly frankness.
The manifesto closed with the declaration
that we commit our cause to the enlight-
ened Judgment of the world, to the sober re-
tections of our adversaries themselves, and
to the solemn and righteous arbitrament OF
Heaven
Within very few weeks after the publ
cation OF this manifesto, IL seemed to have
net with response from President Lincoln.
In the early part of last month a letter was
received by General Lee from lieutenant
General Grant, in the following words =
HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNI
TID STATES, City Point, Va. July 8, 1864
Gcneral K. 4. Lee commanding Confeder-
ate forces, near Petersburg, Virginla-Gen-
etaI.-I would request that Colonel Jaques.
I'd Illinois volunteer infantry, and j. Il.
Giinore, Esq, be allowed to meet Colqnei
ho5ert Ould, Commissioner for the hx-
change of Prisoners, at such place between
the lines Of the two armies as you may des-
lsnate. The object of the meeting Is legiti-
l9ate with the duties of Colonel Ould as
commissioner
II not consistent for you to grant the re-
quest here asked, I would beg that this De
erl.rF.I - ID l. 4. o.fI nJ
requesting rs early an answer to this
communication as you may find 1t convenl-
eht to make, subscribe myself, very res
2ectfuy, your obedient servant
II. S. GRANT,
Lieutenant General, u. ;: A.
Oa the reference of this letter to the Pres
lIent, ne authorized Colonel Ould TO meet
me persons named in General Grant let
.efi aud Colonel Ould after seeing them, re-
i69rned to Richmond and reported TO the
155e1S!:dent, in the presence of the Secretary
y. "" war and myself, that Messrs. Jaques and
IH!hor had not said anything to him about his
Ip1.es as Commissioner for the Exchange OF
aiLsoneFs, but that they asked permission to
Ilne ~ to richmond for the purpose OF seeing
PRESIDENT; that they came with the
aaaIIo"ledge and approval of President Lin
SsOla' and under his pass that they were in
G.Mai messengers, sent with view OF pa
ing the way for a meeting of formal COM
.SiSi0ners ~ authorized to negotiate for peace,
H aerirsd TO communicate to President