New-York tribune., 1868-01-04
LETTERS FROM JEFF. DAVIS.

Mr.. Edward De Leon, who was once Consul
General at Alexandria. and afterward Confederate
diplomatic agent publishes in the course OF somo rent
niscences which he contributing to The Citizen the fol-
lowing letters from JEFF Davis The first Is In answer to
one in which Mr. DE Leon offers TO resign his ConsuGen-
erasp in order to work for Dayss nomination Tor Pres
ident at the Charleston Convention:
WASHINGTON, u. c., Jan. 81, 1890.
Ny DRtR SIR: have read your letter with sincere e
gIatidcSon ana return % eo sasnks IOr yoSr ina %
you but what would have hoped from few men whom
have no wishes or prospects which would Justify you
in making the proposed sacnhce aud for every reason
object TO your making it,. My opinions a. you know
friends nominate at Charleston and shoHd do 80
they would impair the ability OF the Democratic party
10 succeed next Presidential canvass Since you
left us there has been great advance IN public opinion
erul at the South but are sti Ia the minority at the
To get as many Northern votes as will insure the sue
OF candidate, t viii be necessary TO fecrut
largely the Conservative rankF; ana you VIII az
perceive that the banner Of radich advocate OF
Southern rights would not be 6uficently attractive IN
ardous controversy relation 10 the resolutions declar
tory OF the position In relation to the nights Of
probably .he only possible one. Will be TO nominate
some one who will be recognized In both sections Ss the
true exponent OF their opinions. kxPresident Fierce
would probably best fulfill the conditions. Mr Dnllns
might do southern rInts man from psn.ng a Sasto
and concessions not TO be entertained for m9nent ana
bard expressed, would be submission TO BLACK re
publican"
From both pray that good Providence and our own
selfrespect viii preserve us.
The pa pers which you doubt will have informed
you OF protraced aud thus far frtcsS struggle To
organize the House OF Representatives No one can now
see how controversy Is 10 be termlnned ana the
Southern becoming fast reconcied to their
present unOrganiZed condition.
As we have little 10 hope aud much TO deprecGto from
the action Of the present Congress legislation may be
our best estate. -
few OF your associates IN the long siege OF 1851
still the Senate. and all remember you with much re-
gard Let hear from you rs oftenas your convenience
will permit, and believe me, ever most truly yours
JEFF's DAVIS.
Consul Gene-al EDWIN DE LION. Alexandria. Egvpt
other letter written by Davis after the election
OF Lincoln: -
any DEAR SIR: We advancing rapidly u the end
OF the Union The Cotton States may DO regarded
az ha wing decided for Secession South Carolina Is In
quasi war, and the probabilities that events VIII
hasten her and her associates into general conflict with
the forces tho Federal Government. The Black Ro-
pubcans exuant their recent success are not DIS
posed concede anything and the stern necessity OF
ssance is forcing Itself upon the Judgment oi all INC
slayeholding states. -,
"The virginia Legislature met yesterday, and took
promptly and boldly the bOulherh Brouhu hbsSsIpp ~
now In convention.
NAV leave here In few days. though Is also pos
sbe State may choose To continue It's Senators mere
for the purpose OF defense against hostile legislation.
"The confidence heretofore felt In Mr.. buchanan has
diminished steadily, and Ii now nearly extinct HIS
weakness has done much harm as wickedness would
have achieved Though no longer respect or con
fer with him, and feel injured by his conduct yet pity
and would extennate tho oenses not prompted by bad
design or malignant Intent
with great regard, am, as ever, your friend,
"JEFF's DAVIS
"EDw. DE LEON. esq. Alexandria, Egypt"