The New era. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1865-1871, 1865-11-09
THE NEW BRA, NOVEMBER 8. 1868
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kin KIN Us 9 as Agassiz kills hy,-because
"Of course we do. The North is being
cruclfled for the love of the South"
you love us SO, why don't you let
us go?" asked the Judge, rather CURLY.
For that very on,-because we
love you. If we letyou go, with slavery,
ana your notions of EMPIRE you'd run
straight to barbarism and the Devil"
We'd take the risk of that. But let
me tell you, if you are going to Mr.. Da-
Wis with any such ideas, you might as
we'll turn back at once. He can make
peace on no other basis than Indepen-
dence. Recognition must be the begin
ming, middle, and ending of all negotia-
tions; Our people will accept peace on
no other TERMS"
81 think you are wrong there" said
the Colonel. "When / was here wear
ago, met many of your leading men,
and they all assured me they wanted
peace and reunion, even at the sacrifice
of slavery. Within a week, man you
Venerate and love has met me at Balti-
more, and besought me to come here,
ana offer MIR. Davis peace on such condi-
tions."
That may be. Some of our old men.
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peace on any terms; but the Southern
people will not have it without indie
pendence. Mr.. Davis knows them. and
you will find he will insist upon that.
Concede that, and We'll not quarrel about
minor matters"
Well not quarrel at all. But it's
shutdown, and time we were 'on to Rich
mOnd.'"
They were taken to Richmond in a
carriage, quartered at the Spotswood Ho-
tel, and after supper, had a short chat
with the Commissioner and others. The
account goes ON to say:
As the Judge babe us goodnight, he
said to U.S.
90 In the morning you had better adj
dress note to Mr.. Benjamin, asking the
interview with the President. | will
call at ten o'clock, and take it to him."
"Very we'll. But will Mr.. Davis see
us on Sundays"
sob, that will make no difference
WHAT WE DID THERE.
The next morning, after breakfast,
which we took in our room with Mr..
Javins, we indited a note-of which the
following is a copy-to the Confederate
Secretary of State.
"SpotsWood House, Richmond, Va,
July 18th, 1861.
Hon. j. p. Benjamin,
Secretary OF State, etc.
"DEARSIR.-The undersigned respect
fully solicit an interview with President
Davis.
6 They visit Richmond only as private
citizens, and have no official character
or authority; but they are acquainted
with the views Of the United States GOV
eminent, and with the sentiments of the
Northern people relative to an adjust
ment of the differences existing between
President Davis and themselves may
open the way to such oNci0lnegotiation
as will result in restoring PEACE to the
two sections of our distracted country.
"They, therefore, ask an interview
with the President, and awaiting your
reply, are,
Truly and respectfully yours.N
This was signed by both of us; and
when the Judge called, as he had APP
pointed, we sent it-together with a
commendatory letter had received, on
setting out, from near relative of Mr..
Davis-to the rebel Secretary. In half
an hour Judge Ould returned, saying
" Mr.. Benjamin sends you his compli-
ments, and will be happy to see you at
the State Department"
This obtained for them an interview
with Mr.. Benjamin, who inquired:
edo you bring any overtures to Mr..
Davis from your government"
"No, sir. We bring no overtures and
have no authority from our government.
We state that in our note. We would
be glad, however, to know what terms
will be acceptable to MIR. Davis. If they
at all harmonic with Mr.. Lincoln's
views, we will report them to him, and
SO open the door for official negotiations"
care you acquainted with Mr.. Lin
coins views ~
"One of us is, fully"
"Did Mr.. Lincoln, IN any scay, author
ize you to come here?"
"No, sir, we came with his pass, but
not by his request. We say, distinctly,
we have no official, or unofficial author
ity. We come as men and Christians,
not as diplomatists, hoping, in frank
talk with Mr.. Davis, to discover some
way by which this war may be stopped"
"Well, gentleman, will repeat what
you say to the President, and if he fol-
lows my advice, and think he will,--
he will meet you. He will be at church
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