Mr Bigelow to Mr.
Seward
No. 68.]
Legation of
the United States,
Paris,
April, 1865
.
Sir: I beg to enclose a translation of an
article which appeared in the Memorial Diplomatique of Saturday last,
purporting to give the basis of certain peace negotiations in progress
in Canada, between persons representing the united States and the
confederate insurgents. The quasi official character of this hebdomadal
satisfies me that the government wish the facts there stated to be
believed. I was confirmed in this opinion when I saw the article
promptly reappear in all the official journals.
1 am, sir, with great respect, your very obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward,
Secretary of State,
&c., &c., &c.
[Untitled]
[Translated from the Memorial
Diplomatique of April 2, 1865.]
Private advices from a reliable source informs us that negotiations
with a view to peace are again carried on between the north and
south of the United States.
The scene of these negotiations has thus far been in Toronto, on the
frontiers of Canada, where there are always large numbers of
northern and southern-politicians, and where the confederate agents
of the two governments met.
After discussing for a long time the conditions of a possible
reconciliation, the agent of the federal government left for
Washington, bringing with him an outline of a treaty on the
following basis:
1. Restoration of the Union.
2. Abolition of slavery.
3. A general convention of all tile States to be held for the purpose
of introducing into the Constitution amendments such as the formal
and explicit recognition of State rights, the defence to Congress to
make any laws relative to the colored population, after the
abolition of slavery, and a modification of the electoral system
with regard to presidential elections.
The first of these amendments would put an end to all discussions
concerning State sovereignty; the second would finally settle the
condition of the colored people; and the third should be so
contrived as to diminish electoral agitations by making it
impossible for one of the two sections of the country to elect a
President without the assent of the other.
