Page:A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Confederacy, Including the Diplomatic Correspondence, 1861-1865, Volume I.djvu/551

Rh far as the records of his Department will enable him to do so, the information requested relative to the organization of the "Corps of Scouts" authorized to be created by the act of the last Congress to facilitate communication with the Trans-Mississippi Department.

 February 4, 1865. To the Senate of the Confederate States.

In response to your resolution of November 28, 1864, I herewith transmit a communication from the Secretary of War, relative to the removal of the sick and wounded officers of the Army from the almshouse in this city, which was used as a hospital, and to the accommodations which have been provided for the patients elsewhere.

 February 6, 1865. To the Senate and House of Representatives of the Confederate States of America.

Having recently received a written notification, which satisfied me that the President of the United States was disposed to confer informally with unofficial agents which might be sent by me with a view to the restoration of peace, I requested the Hon. Alexander H. Stephens, the Hon. R. M. T. Hunter, and the Hon. John A. Campbell to proceed through our lines, and to hold conference with Mr. Lincoln, or with any one he might depute to represent him.

I herewith transmit for the information of Congress the report of the eminent citizens above named, showing that the enemy refused to enter into negotiations with the Confederate States, or with any one of them separately, or to give to our people any other terms or guaranties than those which the conqueror may grant, or to permit us to have peace on any other basis than our unconditional submission to their rule, coupled with the acceptance of their recent legislation on the subject of the relations between the white and black populations of each State. Such is, as I understand it, the effect of the amendment to the Constitution which has been adopted by the Congress of the United States. 