National Republican., 1885-01-17
none of tho duties of their Offices for

none Of tho duties Of their offices for
three years or more.
THE DIsGRAcEFUL PHASE
of tho matter was that the claims Of these
skulkors were recognized by the authori-
ties, and there was always a soft spot
found on which to dump the tender body
Of the son Of military ago Of rich or in-
luential man. These arc frozen facts.
Now, this was an encouraging state of
affairs, truly, for tho men who were starv-
ing, freezing, and bleeding at the front
and vainly crying out to have their ranks
filled up. 1t Is scarcely to be wondered
at that tho troops were discouraged on
witnessing such barefacod official disro-
gard of their services and their sufferings.
1t is more to DO wondered at that greater
number did not desert than did, although
for my part do not deem desertion from
the colors justihable under any provoca-
tion or circumstances.
About tho middle Of the winter, II
mistake not, a proposition was broached
in congress TO onlst regiments of negroes
who might volunteer for the service, tho
corps to be ofcered entirely by white
mon. of course the proposition was
prompted by sheer desperation, and
doubt whether enough negro volunteers
could have been found in the entire con-
federacy TO form brigade, even If free
dom had been offered on volun teering.
But the sapient legisla tors at the bidding
Of Mr.. Davis, IL is to be presumed, had no
idea Of Offering this condition. They
actually wanted the negro to fight
TO PERPETUATE HIS OWN SLAVERY.
After a hot debate, IL recolloct Alright
the asnine project was abandoned and the
bill shelved. Had:neglo volunteers been
called for earlier in the war, with the
condition of freedom ON enlistment
attached, perhaps corps sufficient could
have been raised to perform garrison and
prison duty and such like and an equal
number of white troops would have been
released for service In tho field. But, as
usual, in their bungling manner, the au-
thorities moved too late. They always
locked the stable after the horse had been
stolen.
Despite tho fact that tho confederacy
was almost at its last gasp, the old crazy
cry that France and England had decided
to recognize the confederate government
was raised about tho middle of January,
and with such circumstances of particu-
larity that the rumor gained credence in
the camps, and 1 believe the Richmond
papers gavo some credit thereto. The
next desire of the southern heart for
peace was that tho blockade of the
ports should be raised. Whether the
confederate authorities started this ca
nard or not l can't say, but for the
time being 1t exercised an inspirit-
ing effect upon the troops. There
were also rumors of negotiations
for peace being on tho tspis. 1t was
known that Francis p. Blair, sr., had OF
late made several visits to Richmond.
| Finally, it was announced that peace
commission, with Vice President Stephens
at the head, hat set out for Fortress Mon
roe to confer with President Lincoln.
Mr.. Lincoln's terms were simple-"Let
the confederate armies lay down their
arms. other terms to DO referred for sub
sequent discussion" The first condition
imposed by Mr.. Davis was Separation
other matters to be settled afterward."
THUS NEGOTIATIONS WERE BLOCKED,
may say, before they were begun, and
as Mr.. Davis doubtless intended they
should be, for he could not have croGSted
Mr.. Lincoln with such phenomenal stu.
pidity as to yield when he had tho game
virtually in his own hands, the principle
for which he had been contending for foui
years-the indissoluble union of the states
Mr.. Davis has since said, understand
that he would not consent to Mr.. Lincoln!
terms. because he feared the people of tn,
confederacy would not sanction his action
don't think he had any such fear, for
as l have said, the people of the south sav
inevitable defeat staring them in th
face on continuance of tho contest, anC
1t would have been only common goot
sense to have made tho best terms posi-
BILE before being irretrievably ruined.
Now, l have stated, as well as l can re
member, what heard and felt as a subor
dinate in Lees army during the winte
referred to, and am sure have set dow
naught in malice.
THOMAS j. MURRAY.