The Hillsborough recorder., 1864-10-19
Letter from Senator H. v. Johnston.
10 Several Gentlemen in Middle Georgia.
Sandy Grove, near Barlow p. O.. Ga,2
September 25 1864 {

GENTLEMEN; letter of the 4th in
stant vas received several days ago. l.
have taken time 10 consider the object
whlchit proposes" the inauguration of a
peace noyement at the South" long for
peace as ardently as the hart pants for the
cooling water brook" agree with you
that " this unnatural strife cannot be termi-
mated by arms" The pen. not the sword.
must at last solve our difficulties, and the
sooner the controversy can be transferred
frem the field Of battle to the forum Of ra-
tisnal aud honorable negotiation. the bet
Ter Il will be for both governments. agree
with you that the peace movement; at the
Nerth should be duly encouraged at the
South. To this end, we should lose no
occasion, nor omit any proper means 10
convince the North that we are still, as we
always have bern, willing TO adjust the
difficulties between US upon honorable
terms. We have ayowel our desire for
peace and readiness tor negotiation from
TIE very beginning OF the war. in every
form in which organized communities can
give expression 10 their will. We have
ssewed it IN Executive messages, in Le-
gislati,e resolves. aud Congressional mani
festees.
What more can we do. in view Of our
situstlon. Gladly would do mote, il il
were possible. But | do not believe that
il is. We can inaugurate no movement
that would lead TO the result 50 earnestly
desired By every FREUD of humanity, and
50 urgently demanded by the interests OF
both sections. Our military situation would
seem TO forbid even the attempt. The
capture Of Atlantis and Richmond is re-
garded BY the authorities oi the United
States as all that is necessary for our ulti-
nate sabjusation. They have captured
Atlanta. snd Gen. Grant says the early
capture Of Richmond is certain beyond a
doubt. What, under lie circumstances,
wsuld be the probable effect of any peace
mesement at the South Would il con-
ciliste the Nsrih Would il Inspire the
government Of the United States with 4
sense Of justice, or forbearanee. or mag
nanimityi 50 lar from this, u wsuld be
construed into intimidation on our part,
and IL would stimulate and intensity the
var spirit OF the North. Ii would be re-
garded as our confession Of overthrow. and
the premonitory symptom Of our readiness
20 sue Tor mercy on the bended knees Of
unconditional surrender.
10 view u tie ayo~ed object Of the war
90 the part Of the Norlhcrn Government.
u il very certain that there can be no peace,
upon' sns honorable terms. 50 long as its
present rulers are in pomsr. The Presi.
dent u the United States has proclaimed
emancipation, aud his determination 10
!. enlorcc il by the sword. lie has announc-
I'd, 10 advance of any formal offer OF nego-
tiation on our part. that he will not treat
sith rebels tas he is pleased TO call the
people OF the Confederate States,l except
upon the condition that We lay down. our
qrms, abandon slavery, and return TO the
Union. lie will then grant such terms as
nav be compatible with his sense ot JUS
tice. liberality aud magDanimity. So long,
therefore, as lis present rulers arc 10 po. :
cr. and this policy shall be adhered 10.
t,ere can be 90 peace between US and the
government OF the United States, which
ill not bring upon US ccniiscation. social
tilsorgahization, poverty. degradation, and
iutolrrablc dishonor. What worse would
he onr doom II subjOgated by military pow.
err Subjugation is not worse than sub
n,ssicn offered TO Us as the anly condition
Of peace. Ii would OF least save to Us our
honor.
u the people Of the United States will
change thsir rulers; il they will fepudiate
the asowed policy Of subjOgatiou Il they
will return TO a practical recognition oil
tie true principles which underlie the
Whsle structure Of American governments,
organized TO secure and maintain eonstitu-
liberty. the door will soon be open
honorable and lasting peace. Peace