GOVERNOR GRAHAM OPPOSES SECESSION--BUT GOES WITH HIS STATE--IS
SENT TO THE CONFEDERATE SENATE--HIS AGENCY IN THE HAMPTON ROADS
INTERVIEW--REMARKABLE AND INTERESTING LETTERS FROM GOVERNOR GRAHAM,
WRITTEN FROM RICHMOND IN 1865.
Whatever distrust of Governor Graham was manifested by those who had
invoked the war, he was fully sustained by the people; for the adoption
of the ordinance of secession by no means implied the accession of
secessionists to power in the State. That step having been taken, the
Confederate Constitution ratified, and the honor and future destiny
of our people being staked on the revolution, Governor Graham stood
prepared to devote all the energies of the State to give it success;
and the mass of the people, not being willing to forgive the authors of
the movement, demanded the services of the Union men who had embraced
it as a necessity. Governor Graham was sent from the Legislature by
a majority of three fourths to the Confederate Senate, in December,
1863, on the resignation of the Hon. George Davis, who had accepted
the appointment of Attorney-General in the Cabinet of President
Davis. Before the commencement of his term, (May, 1864,) by means
of conscription and impressment laws, and the suspension of _habeas
corpus_, the whole population and resources of the country had been
placed at the command of the President for the prosecution of the war.
The implicit and entire surrender by the whole Southern people of their
dearest civil rights and liberties, of their lives and property into
the hands of the Government, for the support of a war, which, it may be
safely asserted, the large majority were opposed to, will form a field
of curious and interesting speculation to the future historian and
philosopher. There can not be a higher compliment paid to the character
of our people, and the principles in which they had been nurtured, than
the fact that no intestine disorders or disasters followed, upon such
extraordinary demands of power on the one part, and such extraordinary
resignation of rights on the other. Whatever the Confederate Government
asked for its own security, the people gave, and gave freely to the
last.
The defeats at Gettysburgh and Vicksburgh had turned the tide of
success in favor of the North, and although this was partially
relieved by the minor victories of Plymouth and elsewhere, the hopes
of ultimate success were becoming much darkened. Governor Graham had
never doubted that the North had the physical ability to conquer, if
her people could be kept up to a persevering effort, nor that our
only chances depended on their becoming wearied of the contest. As
our fortunes lowered, all men of prevision and sagacity turned their
thoughts toward the possibility of overtures for peace as becoming
daily of greater importance and more imminent necessity. But how could
this be done? With a powerful enemy pressing us, with war established
by law, with entire uncertainty as to the terms to be expected in
case of submission, with the necessity imposed of making no public
demonstration which should dampen the ardor of our troops, or depress
still further the spirits of our people, and excite the hopes of the
enemy; with such obstacles in the way, peace could not be approached
by a public man without involving the risk of inaugurating greater
evils than those he sought to avert. Besides all this, by the adoption
of the Constitution of the Confederate States, (which, by the way,
Governor Graham had vainly endeavored to prevent in convention, without
a second,) all legal power to terminate the war had been surrendered to
the President. Any other method would have been revolutionary, and have
provoked civil strife among us, and, doubtless, sharp retribution.
The only plan, therefore, which could afford reasonable hope of success
was to operate upon and through the President. This was attempted at
the first session of Congress of which Governor Graham was a member,
by secret resolutions introduced by Mr. Orr, the present Governor of
South-Carolina, which, however, failed to get a majority vote of the
Senate. Governor Graham, who was deeply impressed with a sense of the
absolute necessity of some movement toward peace, and who was not among
the confidential friends of the President, attempted next to operate on
him through those who were in some measure influential with him. By
this means he had an agency in setting on foot the mission to Fortress
Monroe, the result of which is well known. In the absence of Mr. Hunter
on that mission, Governor Graham was president _pro tem._ of the
Senate. Disappointed and mortified by that failure, he then approached
President Davis directly, and the results were stated in his private
correspondence with a confidential friend in North-Carolina. There can
be no better exponent of Governor Graham's position and views at this
momentous crisis in our history, than is found in these letters, and
I esteem myself peculiarly fortunate in being able to present to my
readers such extracts from them as will assist my purpose. They are
the letters of a consummate statesman, and of a patriot, and need no
heralding:
RICHMOND, January 28, 1865.
My Dear Sir: The intervention of F.P. Blair, who has passed two or
three times back and forth from Washington to this city recently, has
resulted in the appointment to-day by the President of an informal
commission, consisting of Messrs. A.H. Stephens, R.M.T. Hunter, and
J.A. Campbell, to proceed to Washington and confer with a like band
there, on the subject-matters of difference between the Northern
and Southern States, with a view to terms of peace. The action of
the Senate was not invoked, it is presumed because the appointment
of formal ministers might be considered inadmissible until the
question of recognition should be settled in our favor. I trust
that a termination of hostilities will be the result. From several
conversations with Mr. Hunter, in concert with whom I have been
endeavoring to reach this form of intercourse since the commencement
of the session of Congress, I am satisfied that the first effort
will be to establish an armistice of as long duration as may be
allowed, and then to agree upon terms of settlement. Upon the latter
I anticipate great conflict of views. The Northern mind is wedded
to the idea of reconstruction, and notwithstanding the violence of
the extravagant Republicans, I am convinced would guarantee slavery
as it now exists, and probably make other concessions, including of
course, amnesty, restoration of confiscated property, except slaves,
and perhaps some compensation for a part of these. On the other hand,
while the people of the South are wearied of the war, and are ready
to make the greatest sacrifice to end it, there are embarrassments
attending the abdication of a great government such as now wields the
power of the South, especially by the agents appointed to maintain
it, that are difficult to overcome. The commission is a discreet one,
and upon the whole is as well constituted as I expected, and I trust
that good will come of it. I have not seen any of the gentlemen since
hearing to-day of their appointment, and I learn they are to set
off to-morrow. I am therefore ignorant of the instructions they may
carry, if any have been given. The Vice-President was not on terms
with the head of the Government until a reconciliation yesterday.
Although the North would seem to be bent on war unless and until the
Union be restored, they yet regard us as a formidable foe, and I
suspect the ruling authorities estimate our power as highly as it
deserves. The Secretary of State here, I understand, says they have
been frightened into negotiations by the articles in the Richmond
_Enquirer_, threatening a colonial connection with England and France;
while others, I hear from Mr. Rives, assert that the North is much
troubled by the proposition to make soldiers of slaves. I have no
faith in either of these fancies, but have no doubt they regard us as
far from being subdued, and are willing to treat rather than incur
the preparations for what they conceive necessary for final success.
An intelligent prisoner, Mr. Roulhac of Florida, recently returned,
informs me that by the influence of his mercantile acquaintance, he
was paroled and allowed to spend six weeks in the city of New-York,
and to travel to Washington, etc. According to his observation,
there is an abatement in the feelings of hostility to the South, and
a disposition to peace, but upon the basis of reconstruction. Mr.
Singleton of Illinois, who has been here at times for two or three
weeks, and is a supposed _quasi_ diplomat, but from the company he
keeps is more of a speculator, gives the same account. The Virginia
delegation in Congress, having in view the Secretary of State,
declared a want of confidence in the cabinet, but struck no game
except their own Secretary of War. He has resigned, and Breckinridge,
it is announced, is to succeed him, ... a representative of a State
which has not ten thousand men in our army. No reports are given
from official sources of the fall of Fort Fisher. Private accounts
represent it as a disgraceful affair.... Mr. Trenholm insists on
adding one hundred per cent to the taxes of last year, including
tithes. He is a good merchant and has talent, but is not versed in
the finances of a nation. General Lee has addressed a letter to a
member of the Virginia Senate, advocating the enlistment of slaves as
soldiers, with emancipation of themselves and families, and ultimately
of the race. With such wild schemes and confessions of despair as
this, it is high time to attempt peace, and I trust the commission
above named may pave the way to it....
Very faithfully yours,
W.A. Graham.
RICHMOND, Feb. 5, 1865.
My Dear Sir: The commission to confer with the Northern Government
returned yesterday evening. I have not seen any of the gentlemen, but
learn on good authority that nothing was effected of a beneficial
nature, except that a general exchange of prisoners on parole may
be looked for. They were met on shipboard by Messrs. Lincoln and
Seward in person, (in sight of Fortress Monroe,) who said they could
entertain no proposition looking to the independence of the Southern
States, and could only offer that these States should return to the
Union under the Constitution in the existing condition of affairs,
with slavery as it is, but liable to be abolished by an amendment of
the Constitution. They brought also the information that Congress,
on Wednesday last, had passed a bill, by a vote of one hundred
and eighteen to fifty-four, to amend the Constitution, so as to
abolish slavery in the States, which is to be submitted to the State
Legislatures for approval of three fourths. These officers are said
to have exhibited great courtesy and kindness in the interview,
Lincoln recurring to what he had been willing to do in the outset,
and from time to time since, but that public opinion now demanded
his present ultimatum. The Commissioners saw large numbers of black
troops on their journey. I have seen but few persons to-day; but the
impression will be that there is no alternative but to prosecute the
war. The administration is weak in the estimation of Congress, and
a vote of want of confidence could be carried through the Senate if
approved by those it has been accustomed to consider Opposition. I am
not sure that this vote will not be carried as to the Secretary of
State. Senator Hill left yesterday for Georgia, to attend the session
of the Legislature, and endeavor to revive public confidence, etc.
The committee of our Legislature left the evening before the return
of the Commissioners, disposed, I believe, to await further progress
of events. The situation is critical, and requires a guidance beyond
human ken.
Very truly yours.
RICHMOND, Feb. 12, 1865.
My Dear Sir: You will have seen in the papers the report of the
Commissioners appointed to confer with the United States Government,
with the message of the President, as well as his speech at the
African Church, the addresses of the Secretary of State, and of
several members of Congress, at a public meeting to give expression to
sentiment on the result of the mission. Judging from these, and the
editorials of the newspapers of this city, there would appear to be
nothing in contemplation but _bella, horrida bella_. I was not present
at any of these proceedings, but learn that the assemblages were
large and apparently very enthusiastic; but no volunteers were called
for, nor any offered. Instead of that, labored arguments were made
in favor of making soldiers of slaves. The speech of the Secretary
of State went far beyond the newspaper reports, and its imprudences
in his situation are the subject of severe criticism. He declared
among other things, "that unless the slaves were armed, the cause was
lost;" with revelations of details of the attempt at negotiation,
exceedingly impolitic. All these demonstrations are likely to pass
off as the idle wind, and the great question still remains, What
is to be done to save the country? Mr. Stephens and Judge Campbell
refused to make any public addresses. The former has gone home, and
it is understood does not design to speak in public there, though
the papers have announced the contrary.... It seems they were under
instructions not to treat except upon the basis of independence,
and carried romantic propositions about an armistice, coupled with
an alliance to embark in a war with France, to maintain the Monroe
doctrine, and expel Maximilian from Mexico. Lincoln was courteous and
apparently anxious for a settlement; but firm in the announcement that
nothing could be entertained till our difficulties were adjusted,
and that upon the basis of a restoration of the Union. That as far
as he had power as President, amnesty, exemption from confiscation,
etc., should be freely extended; reviewed his announcements in his
inaugural, proclamations, messages, etc., to show what he considered
his liberality to the South, and that he could unsay nothing that
he had said. As to slavery, it must stand on the legislation of
Congress, with the proposed amendments to the Constitution, which he
informed them had passed both Houses, but which the dissent of ten
States could still reject. These terms not being agreed to, he and
Seward rose to depart, but with a manifestation of disappointment,
as inferred by my informant, that propositions were not submitted on
our side. Thus terminated the conference. There is a widening breach
between the President and Congress; a growing opinion on their part
that he is unequal to the present duties of his position while there
is a division of opinion as to the prospect of relief in a different
line of policy and under different auspices. The military situation
is threatening. Grant has been reënforced. Sherman seems to advance
almost without impediment, and with divided counsels among our
generals in that quarter, Judge Campbell thinks another mission should
be sent; but regards it as out of the question in the temper and with
the committals of the President. Our Legislature has adjourned; that
of Georgia meets this week. _Speed in affairs is necessary._ There is
not time for States to act in concert, (without which they can effect
nothing,) nor sufficient harmony of views here for action without the
executive; and many, perhaps a majority, are for the most desperate
expedients. A short time will bring forth important results. I have
written very freely, but in confidence that you would observe the
proper secrecy. I would be glad to have any suggestions that may occur
to you. Opportunities for consultation here are not so numerous as I
could wish.
Very truly yours.
RICHMOND, Feb. 22, 1865.
My Dear Sir: ... A bill to conscribe negroes in the army was postponed
indefinitely in the Senate yesterday, in secret session. I _argued it_
at length as unconstitutional according to the Dred Scott decision
as well as inexpedient and dangerous. A bill for this purpose, which
had passed the House, was laid on the table. There may be attempts to
revive this fatal measure. All the influence of the administration and
of General Lee was brought to bear, but without success. An effort
is being made to instruct the Virginia senators to vote for it. Mr.
Benjamin has been writing letters to induce the brigades of the army
to declare for it. I rather regret that I did not join in a vote of
want of confidence in him, which only failed. Had I gone for it, I
learn it would have been carried by a considerable majority.
The military situation is exceedingly critical. There will be no stand
made short of Greensboro; whether there successfully, is doubtful....
Opinion is growing in favor of more negotiations, to rescue the
wreck of our affairs, if military results continue adverse. I shall
meet some friends this evening on that topic. I write in haste. As
to matters of confidence, please observe the proper secrecy. It is
the duty of the people to sustain the war till their authorities,
Confederate or State, determine otherwise. But in the mean time
there is no reason for inflamed resolutions to do what may be found
impossible, and which they may be compelled to retract.
Very truly yours,
W.A. Graham.
The publication of further extracts from these representative letters
must be deferred to the succeeding chapter. Meanwhile the thoughtful
student of the events of that day will recognize the direct hand of
Providence in the continuation of the war till the utter failure of our
resources was so fully manifest that peace, when it came, should be
_unchallenged_, _profound_, and _universal_.