The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1865-02-17

! aSCorC8ln0Q C0at ECKorC n0O uuer8ay
complied with his instructions. cav for
the first time the answer of the Richmond
gentlemen to him, which in his dispatch
to me of the LIST he characterizss as not
satisfactory. That answer is as follows:
CRY Ponr, Va, Feb. 1, 1865.
To T. T. Eckert, Major, &C.:
MAJoa-Your note delivered by yourself
has been corsidered. In reply we have to say
we were furnished with copy of the letter of
President Lincoln to y. B. Blair of the 18th of
January ultimo. another copy of which is ap-
pended to your note Our intentions are con-
tained in letter of which the following Is q
copy: -- .. -,.
RICHMOND, Jan. %, 1865.
In conformity with the letter of Mr.. Lin
coin. of which the foregoing is copy, you are
to proceed to Washington for an informal con-
ference with him upon the issues involved in
the existing war and for the purpose of secur-
ing peace to the two countries
With the greatest respect,
Your obedient servant,
JEFFERSON DAVIS"
The substantial object to be obtained by the
informal Conference Is to ascertain upon what
terms the existing war can be terminated hon.
Orably.
Our Instructions contemplate personal in
terview between President Lincoln and our
selves at Washington, but with this explana-
ton we are ready to meet any person or per-
sons that President Linceln may appoint. to
meet at such place as he may desire, that
just and honable peace may be agreed upon,
and we are prepared to receive, or to submit
propositions which may possibly lead to the
attainment of that end.
ALEX. r. STEPHENS,
r N. T. HUNTER,
q. A. CAMPBELL.
A note of these gentlemen subsequently
adds:
Permission has already been given in Major
kckerts dispatch of the LIST inst.
I also saw here for the first time the
following note addressed by the Richmond
gentlemen to Major Eckert:
To T. T. Eekert, Aajor &C.:
MAJOR: In reply to your verbal statement
that your instructions did not allow you to
alter the conditions upon which q passport
could be given to Us, we say, that we are will
ing to proceed to Fortress Monroe, and there
hare an informal conference with any person or
peBons that President Lincoln may appoint,
on the basis of his letter to Mr.. Blair Of 18th
January ult.. or upon any other terms or con.
ditiDns that he may hereafter propose not in
consistent with the essential principles of self
government and popular rights upon which
our institutions are founded. It is our earnest
wish to ascertain, after q free interchange of
ideas and information. upon what principles
and terms, If any, just and honorable peace
can be established without the further efusion
of blood, and contribute our utmost efforts to
accomplish such a result.
We think it better to add, that in accepting
your passport we are not to be understood as
committing ourselves to anything, but to carry
ings above expressed.
Very respIy, yours &c,
A. II. STEPHENS,
s. r. N. T. HUNTER,
j. A. CAMPBELL.
NoTE.-The above communication was de-
ivered to me at Fortress Monroe at 4:3O P. N.
Feb. 2, by Lieut.. Colonel Babcock. of General
Grants staff. T. T. ECKERT.
Major and ID. G.
On the morning of the Sd the three
gentlemen-Stephens, Hunter and Camp
bell-came aboard our steamer and had
an interview with the Secretary of State
and myself of several hours duration. No
question of preliminaries to the meeting
was then and there made or mentioned (;
uO OIAioI poIeOu was present; no papers
were exchanged or produced, and it was
in advance agreed that the conversation
was to be informal and verbal merely.
On our part the whole substance of the
instructions to the Secretary of State,
hereinbefore recited, was stated and insist
ed upon, and nothing was said inconsistent
Herewith; while by the other party it was
not said that in any event or any condi-
ton they ever would consent to reunion,
and yet they equally omitted to declare
that they would not so consent
They seemed to desire a postponement
OF the question and the adoption of some
other course first, which, as some of them
seemed to argue, might or might not lead
to reunion, but which course we thought
would amount to an indefinite postpone
ment. The conference ended without re-
suit.
The foregoing containing, as is believed,
all the Information sought, is respectfully
submitted.
A. LINCOLN