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Interesting Terms for Peace...

Check out these terms for peace given to Texas Confederates near the end of the war. They (U.S. Government) would agree to allow ex-Confederates to leave the country with all their 'property' and term number six was open ended to the disposition of slaves as 'property'. Another interesting point is an apparent recognition, although suttel, of the existance of the Confederate Government. Gone are the typical wordings like 'so called Confederate Government'. By the way it was rejected.

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Port Isabel, Tex., March 12, 1865.
Brig. Gen. J. E. Slaughter and
Col. J.S.. Ford, C. S. Army:

PROPOSITIONS.

I. That the Confederate military authorities of the Trans Mississippi States and Territories agree voluntarily to cease opposition, armed and otherwise, to the re-establishment of the authority of the United States Government over all the region above designated.

II. The proper authorities of the United States on their part guarantee as follows:

1. That the officers and soldiers at present actually composing the Confederate Army proper, including its bona fide attach'es and employ'es shall have, each and all of them, a frill release from and against actions, prosecutions, liabilities~ and legal proceedings of every kind, so far as the Government of the United States is concerned: Provided, That if any of such persons choose to remain within the limits of the United States, they shall first take an oath of allegiance to the same. If, how-ever, they or any of them prefer to go abroad for residence in a foreign country, all such shall be at liberty to do so without obligating them-selves by an oath of allegiance, taking with them their families and property, with privileges of preparation for such departure.

2. That such of said officers and soldiers as thus determine to remain in the United States shall, after taking the oath of allegiance to the United States Government, be regarded as citizens of that Government, invested as such with all the rights, privileges, and immunities now enjoyed by the most favored citizens thereof.

3. That the above guaranties shall be extended to all persons now serving as civil officers of the national and State Confederate governments within the region above mentioned, upon their complying with the conditions stated, viz, residence abroad or taking the oath of allegiance.

4. That persons now private citizens of the region named shall also be included in and receive the same guaranties upon their complying with the same conditions.

5. As respects rights of property, it is further guaranteed that there shall be no interference with existing titles, liens, etc., of whatever nature, except those derived from seizures, occupancies, and procedures of confiscation, under and by virtue of Confederate laws, orders, proclamations, and decrees, all which shall be admitted void from the beginning.

6. It is further expressly stipulated that the right of property in slaves shall be referred to the discretion of the Congress of the United States.

Allow me to say, in conclusion, that if the above propositions are received in the spirit they are sent, we can, in my opinion, speedily have a reunited and prosperous people.

Very truly, gentlemen, your friend and obedient servant,
LEW. WALLACE,
Major- General of Volunteers, U. S. Army.

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Interesting Terms for Peace...
Subtle not Suttle *NM*
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