Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1865-02-17
REBEL REPORT ON THE PEACE CON.
FERENCE.

REBEL kEPOkl YIN ! IL fEACE CON-
FERENCE.
The Richmond Wing Of the 7th SAYS the
following documents we're laid before Con.
gress this morning
TO the Senate and House Of Representation Of
the Confederate States of america
Having recently received written nolifca-
ton which satisfied me that the President Of
the United States was disposed to confer in
formally with unofficial agents that might be
sent oy me, with a view to the restoration II
peace, requested Hon A exender II. Ste
phens, Hon. X. NJ. T. Hunter and Hon. John
A. Campbell to proceed through our lines to
hold conference with Mr.. Lincoln or such
persons as he might depute to represent him.
herewith submit for the information Of Com
gress the report Of the eminent citizens above
named, showing that the enemy refuse to en-.
ter into negotiations with the Confederate
States, or any one Of them separately, or to
give our people any other terms or guarantees
than those which a conqueror may grant, or
to permit us TO have peace on any other terms
than our unconditional submission TO Their
rule, coupled with the acceptance Of their re-
cent legislation including amendment Go
the Constitution for the emancipation If
negro slaves, aud with the right on the pare
Of the Federal Congress to legislate on the
subject OF the relations between the white
aud black population Of each State. Such b.,
as understand, the effect Of the amendmen,
of the Constitution which has been adopted
by the Congress Of the United States
JEFFERSON DAVIS
Richmond, Feb. s.
To the President of the Confederate States
/ Sir Under your letter and appointment
Of the 2sth, we proceeded TO seek an informal
conference with Abraham Lincoln, President
Of the United States, upon the subject mem
toned in your letter. The conference va.
granted and took place on the 30th, on board
a steamer anchored in Hampton Roads, where
we met President Lincoln and Hon. Mr.
Seward, Secretary Of State Of the United
States 1t continued for several hours and
was both full and explicit. We learned from
them that the message Of President Line Ia
to tho Congress Of the United States in De.
cember last explains clearly and distinctly his
sentiments as to the terms, conditions and
method Of proceeding by which peace can be
secured to the people. and We were not IN
formed that they would be modified or alter
ed 10 obtain that end We understood from
him that no terms or proposals Of any treaty
or agreement looking to any ultimate settle
ment would be entertained OF made by him
with the authorities Of the Confedei ate States,
because that would be recognition Of ,heif
existence as separate power, which un3er
no circumstances would be DONE and for like
reasons that no such terms would be enter
tanned by him from the States separately.
that no extended truce or armistce as at pies
ent advised would be granted or allowed will
OUT satisfactory assurances in advance Of =
complete restoration Of the authority Of The
Constitution and laws Of the United States
over all places within the States of the Ca
iederacy that whatever consequences maf
follow from the re-establishment Of that SUI
thority must be accepted, but that the iods-
viduals subject 10 pains and penalties uu5sr
the laws Of the United States might rely upon
very liberal use Of the power conid, 10
him to remit those pains and penalties If
peace be restored,
During the conference the proposed amend e
ments to the Constitution Of the United
States, adopted by Congress Oh the 3lst ult., ,
were brought to our notice. These amend
ments provide that neither slavery nor invol-
untary servitude, except FOX crime, should ex-
3 let within the United Ssates, or any place
, within their Jurisdiction, and Congress should
have power to enforce this amendment by APP
propuate Legislation.
Very respectfully your obedient servants,
ALEXANDER II. STEVENS,
X. NJ. I HUNTER,
j. A. CAMPBELL