The Lansing state Republican. [volume] (Lansing, Mich.) 1855-1874, 1865-02-15
NEWS OF THE WEEK.
OFFICIAL MESSAGE FROM JEFF. DAVIS


WASHINGTON. Feb. e.-The Richmond
Wing Of the eth inst. says the following
documents were laid before Congress this
morning:
To the senate alt 10 Sc o, Representatives. o. TIE
Confe ie-ate states O. America:
Having recently received a written noti-
cation. which satisfied me that the Presi-
dent Of the United States was disposed TO
confer informally with unOtiic.a q ants that
might be sent by ne, with view 10 the
restoration Ofpeace ] requested Hon. Alex.
H. Stephens, Hon. r. NJ T. Hunter. and
Hon. John a. Campbell 10 proceed through
our lines 10 hold acOnierence with Mr. Lin
coin or such persons as he might depute 10
represent him. and herewith submit for
the information Of Congress the report or
the eminent citizens above named showing
that the enemy refuse 20 enter into negoti-
atoms with the Confederate States or any
one Of them separately, or TO give our peO-
pie any other terms or guarantees than
those which q cOnCuerOr NAV grant. or 10
permit Us 10 have peace on any other basis
than our unconditional submission 10 their
rule. coupled with the acceptance Of their
recent legislation. Including an amendment
70 tie Constitution for the emancipation Of
negro slaves. and with the right on the part
OF the Federal Congress 10 legislate Oh the
subject Of the relations between the white
ana black populations Of each State Such
i rs | understand the effect OF the amend
ment 10 the Constitution which has been
adopted by the Congress OF the United
States.
lSigucd1 JEFFERSON DAVIS
RIcnnIoND. Feb. ;. 1865
10 the President Of the Confederate states:
Sir Under your letter of appointment OF
the 2Sth ult. We proceeded 10 seek al iif3l-
NAL conference with Abraham Lincoln
President Of the United States upon the
subject mentioned in your letter. The con-
ference was granted and TOOK place on the
Both ult. on board q steamer anchored IN
Hampton Roads where We met President
Lincoln and the Hon Mr Seward, Secre-
tary Of State Of the United States. Il con-
tinued for several hours, and was both full
and explicit We learned nom them that
the message Of President Lincoln 70 the
+ Congress Of the United States in December
last explains clearly and distinctly his SEN
timents as 70 terms conditions. and method
Of proceeding by which peace eau be secur-
ed 70 the people and We were not informed
that they would be modified or altered 70
obtain that end We understand from him
NIdt uD Ntl us VI plDpy'dAc VI dNa Nitu-F
or agreement looking to an ultimate settle
ment would Oe entertained OF made by him
with the authorities Of the Confederate
States. because that would be a recognition
OF their existence Is a separate power
which under no circumstances WOnid be
done. and for like reasons that no such
terms would be entertained by him from
States separately; that I'D extended truce
or armstice, as ut present advised. would
be granted or allowed without satisfactory
assurances iD advance OF q complete res
t0ratiOn OF the authority of the COnsiitu-
ton and laws Of the United States. over al
places within the States Of the C0nteleracy
10 whatever consequences may follow from
the re establishment Of authority be accept
ed, but the individuals subject 10 pains and
penalties under the laws Of the United
States. might rely upon a very liberal use
of the power cOnfded 10 him % remit those
pains and penalties if peace be restored.
During the conference ;he proposed amend
ment 10 the Constitution OF the United
States adopted By Congress on the 3lst u.t.
was brought 10 our notice This amend
ment provides that neither slavery nor in
voluntary servitude. except for crime.
should exist within their jurisdiction. and
that Congress should have the power 10 ell
force this amendment by appropriate legs
lation. OF all the conference herein men
ntioned and leading 10 the same YOU have
heretofore been informed.
Very respectfully yolr ebe i.ert servants.
ALEX Y ~TrpH-Ns