Abraham Lincoln

“ The advocates of war, after an agitation, longer or shorter, generally gain their fearful end, though the war declared is not unfrequently unnecessary and unwise. So peace agitations, in time of war, ultimately bring about an abandonment of the conflict, sometimes without securing the advantages which were originally expected from the conflict. ”

“ Our instructions contemplate a personal interview between President LINCOLN and ourselves at Washington, but with this explanation, we are ready to meet any person or persons that President LINCOLN may appoint, at such place as he may designate. Our earnest desire is that a just and honorable peace may be agreed upon, and we are prepared to receive or to submit propositions which may possibly lead to the attainment of that end. ”

“ What the insurgent party seemed chiefly to favor was a postponement of the question of separation upon which the war is waged, and a mutual direction of the efforts of the Government, as well as those of the insurgents, to some extrinsic policy or scheme for a season, during which passions might be expected to subside, and the armies be reduced, and trade and intercourse between the people of both sections be resumed. ”

“ Others, with with whom you have had to deal confidentially, are known to yourself, although they have not publicly transpired. Other efforts have occurred here, which are known only to the persons actually moving in them and to this Government. I am now to give for your information an account of an affair of the same general character which recently received much attention here, and which doubtless will excite inquiry abroad. A few days ago FRANCIS P. BLAIR, Esq., of Maryland, obtained from the President a simple leave to pass through our lines without definite views known to the Government. ”

“ Our intentions are contained in a letter of which the following is a copy: RICHMOND, Jan. 28, 1865. In conformity with the letter of Mr. LINCOLN, of which the foregoing is a copy, you are to proceed to Washington City, for informal conference with him upon the issues involved in the existing war, and for the purpose of securing peace to the two countries. With great respect, your obedient servant, JEFFERSON DAVIS. The substantial object to be obtained by the informal conference is to ascertain upon what terms the existing war can be terminated honorably. ”

“ Nevertheless, it is perhaps of some importance that we have been able to submit our opinions and views directly to prominent insurgents, and to hear them in answer, in a courteous and not unfriendly manner. ”

“ The suggestion, though delibetely considered, was, nevertheless, regarded by the President as one or armistice or truce, and he announced that we can agree to no cessation or suspension of hostilities except on the basis of the disbandment of the insurgent forces, and the restoration of the national authority throughout all the States in the Union. ”

“ DAVIS, or any other influential man now actually resisting the authority of the Government, might send to confer informally with the President with a view to the restoration of peace to the people of our common country. Mr. BLAIR visited Richmond with this letter, and then again came back to Washington. ”

“ JANUARY 29, 1865 -- 8:30 P.M. It appears that about the time of placing the foregoing telegram in my hands, the Secretary of War dispatched Gen. ORD as follows, to wit:
WAR DEPARTMENT. WASHINGTON CITY, Jan. 29, 1865 -- 10 P.M. Maj. Gen. Ord: This department has no knowledge of any understanding by Gen. GRANT to allow any person to come within his lines as commissioners of any sort. You will therefore allow no one to come into your lines under such character or profession, until you receive the President's instructions, to whom your telegrams will be submitted for his directions. ”

“ We think it better to add, that in accepting your passport we are not to be understood as committing ourselves to anything: but to carry into this informal conference the views and feelings above expressed. Very respectfully yours, &c. ALEXANDER H. STEPHENS, J.A. CAMPBELL, R.M.T. HUNTER. NOTE. -- The above communication was delivered in me at Fortress Monroe at 4:30 P.M., Feb. ”

“ Afterward the following dispatch was received from Gen. GRANT:
OFFICE UNITED STATES MILITARY TELEGRAPH, WAR DEPARTMENT. [In Cipher.] The following telegram was received at Washington, 2:30 P.M., Feb. 1, 1865. from City Point, Va., Feb. 1, 12:30 P.M., 1865: His Excellency A. Lincoln, President of the United States. Your dispatch received. There will be no armistice in consequence of the presence of Mr. STEPHENS and others within our lines. The troops are kept in readiness to move at the shortest notice if occasion should justify it. U.S. GRANT, Lieut.-Gen. ”