Western sentinel. [volume] (Winston [i.e. Winston-Salem], N.C.) 1856-1886, 1864-10-20


ing to contract.
Letter from Senator ISer>siei v. 5ohn
xom of Georgia.
TO severnl gentlemen en- Middle Georgia.
Sandy Grove, near Barlow L. y. 6a.
September 25th, 1864.
Gentlemen
Your letter of the 14th inst. was receiv-
ed several days ago. | have taken time
to consider the object it proposes--"the
inauguration Of peace nonement at the
South" long tor peace as ardentiy as
''the hart pants for the cooling, water
brook" / agree with you, that "this un-
natural strife cannot be terminated by
arms" The pen, not the sword, must at
last. solve orr difficulties, and the sooner
the controversy can be transferred from
the field of battle to the forum OF rational
and honorable negotiation, the better 1t
will for both governments. l agree with
YOU that she peace movement at the North
should be duly encouraged at the Sonth.
To this end, we should loose no occasion,
nor omit any proper means to convince
the North that we are still, as we always
have been, willing to adjust the dlttlcul-
ties between Us, upon honorable terms
We have avowed Our desire for peace and
readiness for negotiation from the very
beginning Of the war, in every form l.
which organized communities can Civ
expression to their will We have avow
ed it in Executive messages, IN Leglsla
tive resolves, and Congressional nantes
toes.
What more can we do, in view of our
situationy Gladly would do more, f. it
were possible. But do not believe that
il is. We can inaugurate no movement
thai would cad to the result SO earnestly
desired bv every friend ct Humanity, and
so urgently demanded by the interests OF
both sections. Our military situation
would seem to forbid even the attempt
The capture of Atlanta and Richmond Is
regarded by the authorities of the United
States, as all that is necessary for our ul-
innate subiugation. They have captured
Atlanta and Gen Grant says the early
capture of Richmond is certain beyond a
doubt. What, under the circumstances,
would be the probable effect of any peace
movement at the South : Would it con-
ciliate the North Would it inspire the
government of the United States with a
sense of Justice, or torbearance, or magna-
niln;ty2 SO far from this, 1t would be
co,str2 ed into Intimidation on our part,
ak. i would stimulate and Intensity the
war spirit OF the North. 1t wonid be re-
XAfQGQ as our COUieS6IOu Ol 5FSIL hHu
the premonitory symptom OF our readiness
to sue for mercy OH the bended knee OF
unconditional surrender.
In view of the avowed object of the
war on the part of the Northern Govern
ment, it is very certain there can be no
peace, upon any honorable terms, SO long
az it's present rulers are in power. The
President of the United States has pro-
claimed emancipation and his deter.nna-
tion to enforce it by the sword He has
announced, in advance Of any formal Of
Ter of negotiation on our part that he will
not treat with rebels Gas he is pleased to
call the people of the Confederate States)
except upon the condition that we lay
down our arms, abandon slavery, and re-
turn to the Union. He will then grant
such terms as may be compatible with his
sense of justice, liberality and magnanin
ity. So long, therefore, as its present
rulers are in power, and this policy shal
be adhered to, there car be no peace be
tween us and The Government OF the
United States, which will not bring npor
us confscation, social disorganiz izatioh
poverty, degradation, and in,oIerable dis
honor. Nh4t worse would be our dooil