Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 14.djvu/417

 Correspondence between Gov. Vance and Pres't Davis. 411

Correspondence between Governor Vance, of North Carolina, and President

Jefferson Davis.

[General Sherman's friends, in their vain efforts to extricate him from the web of mendacity, which he has woven for himself in his controversy with Mr. Davis, have been the occasion of the publica- tion of a number of the letters of the great Confederate chief But they all tend to brand Sherman's slander and make clearer President Davis's position. The following are worth preserving:]

State of North Carolina, Executive Department, Raleigh^ December ^o, i86j. His Excellency, Presideyit Davis:

My Dear Sir, — After a careful consideration of all the sources of discontent in North Carolina, I have concluded that it will be per- haps impossible to remove it, except by making some effort at nego- tiation with the enemy. The recent action of the Federal House of Representatives, though meaning very little, has greatly excited the public hope that the Northern mind is looking towards peace. I am promised by all men, who advocate this course, that if fair terms are rejected, it will tend greatly to strengthen and intensify the war feel- ing, and will rally all classes to a more cordial support of the govern- ment. And although our position is well known, as demanding only to be let alone, yet it seems to me that for the sake of humanity, with- out having any weak or improper motives attributed to us, we might with propriety constantly tender negotiations. In doing so, we would keep conspicuously before the world a disclaimer of our responsi- bility for the great slaughter of our race, and convince the humblest of our citizens — who sometimes forget the actual situation — that the government is tender of their lives and happiness, and would not prolong their sufferings unnecessarily one moment. Though states- men might regard this as useless, the people will not, and I think our cause will be strengthened thereby. I have not suggested the method of these negotiations or their terms. The effort to obtain peace is the principal matter. Allow me to beg your earnest con- sideration of this suggestion.

Very respecttully yours, (Signed) Z. B. Vance.