Headquarters Army Of The Potomac, February 1, 1865.
I reached City Point at twelve o'clock last night, having
had a very comfortable journey via Annapolis. We found a good deal of ice in
the Chesapeake Bay and considerable in the James River; but to-day has been so
mild and pleasant I think the ice will disappear.
From all I can gather, the Secretary's telegram must have
been based on something Ord sent to Washington; for Grant did not return till
Monday night, and in ignorance of Mr. Stanton's telegram, sent me one himself,
yesterday morning.
I found on my arrival, last night, that three distinguished
gentlemen, Mr. Alexander Stephens (Vice President of the Confederacy), Mr. R.
M. T. Hunter (formerly United States Senator from Virginia), and Mr. Campbell,
of Alabama (formerly Judge United States Supreme Court), were in our lines,
having been passed in by General Grant, on their expressing a wish to go to
Washington. After Grant had admitted them, he received a telegram from
Washington directing they be retained outside our lines until a messenger
despatched from Washington could arrive. They are now awaiting this messenger.
They do not profess to be accredited commissioners, but state they are informal
agents, desiring to visit the President and ascertain if any measures are
practicable for the termination of the war. I called this morning, with General
Grant, on them, and remained after General Grant left, and talked very freely
with them. I told them very plainly what I thought was the basis on which the
people of the North would be glad to have peace, namely, the complete
restoration of the Union and such a settlement of the slavery question as
should be final, removing it forever as a subject of strife. Mr. Stephens
suggested that, if we could stop fighting, the matter might be discussed. I
told him promptly that was entirely out of the question; that we could not stop
fighting unless it was for good, and that he might be assured any proposals
based on a suspension of hostilities would not be received. Mr. Stephens then
said they did not consider the slavery question as so formidable a difficulty,
but they feared the difficulty would be to obtain such modification of the old
Constitution as would protect the States, in case of other questions arising to
produce strife. I said if you mean to propose a reorganization and change in
our Government, I don't think you will meet with any success. We are satisfied
with our Constitution, and you seem to be, since yours is identically ours,
excepting the protection you give to slavery. Mr. Hunter then asked me what we
proposed to do with the slaves after freeing them, as it was well known they
would not work unless compelled. I replied this was undoubtedly a grave
question, but not insurmountable; that they must have labor, and the negroes
must have support; between the two necessities I thought some system could be
devised accommodating both interests, which would not be so obnoxious as
slavery. They then said they thought it a pity this matter could not be left to
the generals on each side, and taken out of the hands of politicians. I
answered I had no doubt a settlement would be more speedily attained in this
way, but I feared there was no chance for this.
We then conversed on general topics. Judge Campbell asked
after your family, and Mr. Hunter spoke of Mr. Wise, and said he had brought
two letters with him, one of which I herewith enclose.
I judge from my conversation that there is not much chance
of peace; I fear we will split on the questions of an armistice and State
rights. Still, I hope Mr. Lincoln will receive them and listen to all they have
to say, for if it can be shown that their terms are impracticable, the country
will be united for the further prosecution of the war. At the same time the
selection of three most conservative of Southern men indicates most clearly to
my mind an anxiety on the part of Mr. Davis to settle matters if possible. All
this I have written you must be confidential, as it would not do to let it be
known I had been talking with them, or what I said.
I do most earnestly pray something may result from this
movement. When they came within our lines our men cheered loudly, and the
soldiers on both sides cried out lustily, “Peace! peace!” This was intended as
a compliment, and I believe was so taken by them.
I am sorry I could not stay longer with you, but I don't
believe I should have had any satisfaction, as every report brought in would
have a recall telegram.
SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George
Gordon Meade, Vol. 2, p. 258-60
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