y of State, Mr. Benjamin, to instruct
the commissioners to confer upon the subject of Mr. Lincoln's
letter. The instructions were not in accordance with Mr. Lincoln's
note, nor were they warranted by anything he had ever said.
Notwithstanding this, the commissioners appeared at the Union lines
and asked permission to proceed to Washington as "Peace Commissioners."
On this being telegraphed to Washington, Major Eckert of the War
Department was sent to Grant's headquarters, with directions to
admit them, provided they would say, in writing, they came to confer
on the basis of the President's note of January 18th. Before Major
Eckert arrived, they had, in violation of their instructions, asked
permission "to proceed to Washington to hold a conference with
President Lincoln upon the subject of the existing war, and with
a view of ascertaining upon what terms it may be terminated, in
pursuance of the course indicated by him in his letter to Mr. Blair
of January 18, 1865." They were admitted to Grant's headquarters
and Mr. Lincoln was advised of their last request. The latter sent
Secretary Seward to Fortress Monroe to meet them. Seward was, in
writing, instructed to make known to the commissioners that three
indispensable things were necessary: "(1) The restoration of the
national authority throughout all the States. (2) No receding by
the Executive on the slavery question from the position assumed
thereon in the late annual Message. (3) No cessation of hostilities
short of the end of the war, and the disbanding of all forces
hostile to the government." On other questions the Secretary was
instructed to say the President would act "in a spirit of sincere
liberality." Mr. Seward was not definitely to consummate anything.
He started to meet the commissioners on February 1st. Meantime,
on the same day, Major Eckert had met them at City Point and informed
them of the President's requirements, to which they responded by
presenting Davis' written instructions. Major Eckert at once
notified them they could not proceed unless strictly in compliance
with Mr. Lincoln's terms. This seemingly put an end to the mission
of Stephens, Hunter, and Campbell. Grant, being impressed with
their anxiety to secure a peace, wired Stanton his impression, and
expressed regret that Mr. Lincoln could not have an interview with
Stephens and Hunter, if not all three, before their return. The
President on reading Grant's dispatch decided to