Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1864-09-07
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
Richmond, Va, August Is, 1864.

.
x Richmond, Va, August rs, 1854.
SIR: Numerous publications Bhichfhave
recently appeared in, the journals of the
United States on the subject of informal
ogertures for peace between two Federations
E.of States now at war on this continent, ren.
der it desirable that you should befully ad:
| yised Of the views and policy of this Gov
ernment. on matter tofs such paramount
Importance. It is likewise proper, that you
should be accurately informed of what has
occurred in the several occasions mentioned
in the published statements. -. 2. - r.
You hare heretofore been furnished with
copies of the manifesto issued by the Con-
gress Of the Confederate States, with the
approval ofthe President, on the 18th June
last, and have, doubtless, acted ii conform
ity with the resolution which requested that
copies of this manifesto should be laid be-
fore foreign governments. 'The principles,
sentiments and purposes, by: which these
States have been, and are still actuated, :"
are set forth in that paper with all the au-
thority due to the solemn declaration of the
Legislative and Executive Departments of
this Government, and with q clearness which
leaves no room for comment or explanation.
In few sentences'it is pointed out that all
Be ask is immunity from interference with
our internal peace and prosperity, "and to
be left in the undisturbed enjoyment of
those inalienable rights of life, liberty and
the pursuit of happiness, which our COM
mon ancestors declared to be the equal her
.itage of all parties to the social compact
Let them forbear aggressions' upon us, and
the war is at an end. If there be questions
which require adjustment by negotiation,
We have ever been willing and are still will
ling to enter into communication with our
adversaries, in spirit of peace, of equity
and manly frankness." The. manifesto
closed with the declaration that sswe COM
NIT our cause to the enlightened judgment
of the world, to the sober reflections of our
adVersaries themselves, and the solemn and
/ righteous arbitrament Of Heaven" !. Z
Within avery few weeks after the publi-
cation of this manifesto, it seemed to have
met with response from President Lin
coin. In the early part Of last month alet.
ter was received by Gen. Lee, from Lieut..
Gen. Grant, in the following words: ~
nHEADouARTERs ARMIES OF THE u. s.,
- City Points Va, July 8, 1854. :
ssfGenvaz q. e. Lee, eonsnsandtng Con-
tederate forces, near Petersburg, "a:
GENERAL: I would request that Colonel,
James F. jacques, SeventY-third Illinois
volunteer infantry, and ] R. Gilmore, ESQ.,,
be allowed to meet Colonel Robert Ould,
Commissioner for the Exchauge-Of Prison
.ers, at such place between the lines of the
two armies as you may designate. The OBJ
ject of the meeting is legitimate with the
duties Of Colonel Ould as Commissioner.
:. aIf not consistent for you to grant the
request here asked, I would beg that this be
referred to President Davis for his action.
.Requesting as early an answer to this
Communication as you may find it conve-J
,nient to make, ], subscribe myself,
every respectfully, - :,
aYour 'obedient servant,