The Alleghanian. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1859-1865, 1864-09-08
The Emancipation PrOcIalna-
ton saved us from a Foreign
War.


WAR.
The special correspondent of the Chi
| cago Tribune at Nashville, communicates
the following valuable intelligence on the
influence of the Emancipation Procama-
| ton:
In the fall of 1862, Rev Jessie Fer
guson, man of pleasing address, and with
exceedingly seductive power of speech,
and who had left this city when it was
occupied by the Union troops, left on a
omission to Europe, (Which, though not
E:oficial, at least received the sanction OF
JEFF. Davis,) for the purpose of aiding in
securing recognition from England and
France. On arriving he had several COM
munications with leading rebel sympathi-
zers in England, and finally asked an in
teryiew with Palmerston. He refused all
communication with him, but authorized
his private secretary to confer with Mr.. Fer
guson, and learn the nature Of his mission.
Mr. Ferguson was accordingly sent for,
and laid his desires before the Secretary,
who, without committing his master, ap-
pointed second interview, at which he
stated he would communicate Lord Pal
merston's answer. The time came, and
and with it the decision Of the British
Cabinet. They told Mr.. f. that Mr.
Lincoln had just issued a preliminary
emancipation proclamation; that the war
on the part of the North was for anti
slavery; on the part of the South for
slavery; and therefore England could not
interfere for the Confederates. as it would
place England in a false attitude, and
would create such dissatisfaction among the
people that the ministry could not retain
power for a day. He stated that the
English people were essentially anti-sla-
. very that they had been taunting the
Americans with the crime of slaveholding
these many years; that they had enamel
pated their own slaves; and now to inter
fere for people confessedly fighting for
slavery, and against freedom, would be an
act which no English Ministry dare. at
tempt, however great their sym2athies
were with the Confederates, and however
great their desires for severance Of the
Union.
Mr.. Ferguson then stated that the South
had determined on Independence, and
secure that object; but it had commercial
grievances enough TO justify the existing
revolution.
"Prove that fact" said the Secretary,
''by abclishing slavery, and that moment
we will interfere in your behalf"
Mr.. Ferguson then explained that his
visit was not official, but that he under
stood the sentiments of the Southern
leaders pretty well, and he would return
aud bring tire matter before the Rich
mond authorities, and this he accordingly
did
Mr. Davis, on hearing the statement,
seemed chagrined at the nature of the
demands of the English Cabinet, and
complained of Its. duplicity, and finally
refused to do anything in the matter, as
the institution of slavery was under the
control of the States, and he could not
bind them by treaty.
Having become satisfied that there was
no hope from outside assistance, and con-
scious that the Confcderacy could not
maintain itself, Mr.. Ferguson last winter
returned to Nashville, and ''took the
OATH" but made no revelations, except
confidential ones, relative to his European
mission. Some of his friends, however,
betrayed him, and | am now in possession
of the leading facts, which are precisely
as given above.
From this we can perceive how narrow
ly we escaped war with England and France
the Emancipation Proclamation alone
saving us.