Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1864-07-23
THE PEACE NEGOTIATIONS.

We published yesterday very full account
ara Falls. AS Mr.. Greeley, Of the New York
Tribune, seems to have had some connection
with it, the following remarks Of that paper
From the New York Trlbunel f-sf
The telegraphic stories concerning peace con-
ferenees at niagara Fails have a slender foun.
dation in fact. but most OF the details are very
wide of the truth. The editor Of this paper has
taken part in, and been privy to, no further or
other negotiations than were fully authorized,
and more than authorized but these related
solely in bringing the antagonists face to face
in amicable rather than beligerent atti ude,
with view to the initiation Of an earnest ef-
fort for peace, to be prosecuted at Washing
ton. The movement has had NO immediate
success.
or course all reports that the writer has been
ing Hypothetical terms or bases of peace,
whether with accredited agents OF the Rich
mond authorizes or others, are utterly mista-
ken. He has never had the slightest authori-
zation 10 do anything Of the sort and he is
quite aware Of those provisions of law which
relate 10 volunteer negotiations with public
enemies. Those provisions he heartily ap-
proves, and is nowise inclined to violate. More
than this he does not as yet feel at liberty TO
state, though he soon may be All that he can
now add is his general inference that the paci-
ficatisn of our country Is neither difficult
nor 50 distant as seems to be generally sup.
posed.
THE RESPONSE OF CLAY AND HoLcoNRE.
The final response Of Messrs. Clay and Hol-
combe to Mr.. Greeley was given entire yesfer-
day, with the exception Of the following con-
cludng paragraph:
This correspondence will not, however, we
trust, prove entirely barren of good results III
there is any citizen of the Confederate States
who has clung to the hope that peace was pos
sible with this administration of the Federal
Government, it will strip from his eyes the last
film OF such a delusion. Or, if there be any
whose hearts have grown faint under the suf.
rering and agony of this bloody struggle, it
will inspire them with fresh energy to endure
and brave whatever may yet be requisite to
preserve to themselves and their children ali
consolation to death. Ard if there be any pa
triots or Christians in your land who shrink
appalled, from the illimitable virtue OF
private misery ard public calamity which
bosoms resolution may be quickened to recall
the abused authority and vindicate the out
ragged civilization Of their country. For the
solicitude you have N anifested to inauRurate
most noble and humane, We return our thanks;
and are, most respectfully and trnly, your
obedient servants, Q. q. CLAY, JR.,
JAMES p. HoLooMBE
Next follows note dated July 20 expressing
the thanks Of the Confederate agents to W. q.
Jewett, Esq, for his good offices, and stating
that the negotiations had been suspended in
consequence Of the position taken by the Presi-
dent.
The NJ Y. Journal Of Commerce says:
This closes the correspondence connected
with the peace negotiations.
The reported emission OF Mr. Greeley has
produced some effect in financial circles,
coupled as it is with a knowledge of the fact
that w hen Mr. Fessenden was here last week
this . aha esaasd df&s & Could g
made in thirty days. if desired.
Most Of the other New York papers seem to
attach but little importance to the "negotia-
intended to have an effect on the Chicago Oon-
yention.