Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1864-10-28

in my opinion, carried out. Inc party
with which we ought to have had most
intimate relations, and which was especial
ly strong in the Northwest, was broken up
by the Charleston Convention. | thought
it wrong; l believed that the question OF
slavery III the territories was, as have
said before, but barren issue. L stand
tonight with perhaps, but few sym
pathisers around me, but appeal from the
verdict of the present to that OF the great
future, which has in its womb that which
is known only to God One, two, or three
years hence, look back to the present hour,
and ask whether 1 have given bad advice
in the letter which has been condemned.
After the war broke ont, still survey
ed the scene. 1t yet appeared that we
must look to division of the North. |
saw great nation in the North West, set
tied principally by Southern MEN with
great river running through its immense
territory, and forming as it were bond.
of common interest between that section
and the South was further aware that
the party which acted with us had its chief
seat of power in the Northwest. l look
ed about, therefore, for a mode to accom-
plish the great end in view. The first OPP
portunity [ saw was after the first battle
of Manassas, when, comforting with the
President of the Confederate States pro-
posed to him policy which looked to that
end. In other words, [ suggested that he
should propose treaty Of peace to Mr..
Lincoln, the conditions of which should be
reciprocal free trade with the North-W West,
and free navigation Of the Mississippi
Rtuor coonra6 hu Nv
idea was that we should suggest to the
North West in the most imposing form
such terms as would reconcile the protec-
ton of their most material interest with
a dissolution Of the Union. That idea was
not adopted.
After the defeat of Gen. Mcclellan in
front of Richmond l wrote to Mr.. Benia-
min, the Secretary of State, again urging
the same policy, but still it was not adopt
ed. [ thought snch to be our true policy,
because it was requiring our soldiers in the
field to carry an unnecessary burden, when
proper performance Of duty by the Gov
eminent would have diminished the ene-
mics with whom they had to contend.
Soon afterwards this great peace party
| of the Northwest showed evidences of its
| immense power. l hoped then, that some
response would be made to that party but,
| fellow citizens, what was the result p
Nothing. The Richmond press, in large
degree, and especially an organ which had
the reputation of being an official organ,
denounced that peace party. Referring
to its leaders, Vallandigham and others, it
said, eve respect those Abolitionists who
are led away by their fanaticism; for in
stance, such men as Wendell Phillips,
Lincoln, an others but We have contempt
and scorn for you who pretend to repre-
sent the peace men of the North. You
may crawl upon your bellies, but we will
spit upon you!" Why thus repel those
who are seeking peace9
AS an evidence of that policy of the
Richmond press and other newspapers in
the South, the Hon. Mr.. Soule, of Lou
isiana, told me that he was in the city of
New York, when an election took place,
and that pIacarded upon the political ban
ners and in other places were the remarks
OF the Richmond press, concerning these
peace Democrats of the North, accom-
panied with the observation, "see what
your Southern friends say of you." Mr.
Soule assured me that those articles from
the Richmond Enquirer, which was then
known as the official organ of our govern
ment, had produced the most in furious
effects. | will state furthef, that General
Adkins, OF Texas, a member of Congress,
told me that he was with Mr.. Vallandig-
ham nearl y week, and that the latter
said to him if it had not been for the
course of your Southern press in reference
to the peace party, Mr.. Lincoln never
could have undertaken the campaign
against Vicksburg. "Your press has cost
you the death Of many of your noblest
men," lprotested against that policy, and
asked, IN Gods name, why is this done
Have we no pity for our noble soldiers,
who are dying daily? Shall we try to
consolidate the North against us7 Shall
we break down the peace party, and hurl
scorn and insult in the faces of those who
are our friends?
Well, fellowcitizens, time rolled on, and
at the last session Of Congress, several
Senators and members thought we ought
to try the use of diplomacy and, to some
extent, do what we could to divide the
North, and to weaken the power of Mr..
Lincoln. We met together, considered the
question and agreed upon this programme,
viz: that we would Introduce resolutions
into Congress, that in the event we should
defeat the enemy at the two points where
he had concentrated, the President should
be requested to tender to Mr.. Lincoln
propositions for the meetings of commits
sioners to negotiate upon the subject of
peace. We did not expect that Mr.. Lin
coin would agree to this proposition, be-
cause we know he is pledged never to
cease war while he can raise a man or a
dollar; but we wanted to build up party
behind him. Even those resolutions,
moderate as they were, failed to meet the
nrnNrnnrnl Of thnrn L.,