During March and April 1861, after seven states had seceded and formed the Confederate States of America but before war broke out, Confederate Secretary of State Robert Toombs appointed Martin J. Crawford, John Forsyth, and A.B. Roman as Commissioners of the Confederate States to Washington, DC. Their purpose was to seek diplomatic recognition from the United States and negotiate peace—at least for a while. Central to the question of peace or war was whether the United States would continue to retain claim over federal forts located in the southern states that had seceded, including Fort Pickens in Florida and Fort Sumter in South Carolina. This item is transcribed from a letter book maintained by J.T. Pickett, secretary to the commissioners, containing copies of 72 letters, dispatches, and telegrams sent and received by the commissioners from the time of their appointment to the demand for the evacuation of Fort Sumter. 

Transcript:

Washington April 4^th 1861.

To Hon R Toombs.

It is believed here in high circles that the naval preparations alluded to in our telegraph of yesterday are intended against Spain on account of the Dominican affair. The Contemptuous allusions to the U.S. by European presses & people as a government in ruins induces the contemplated demonstration to show the world that it is still one of the great powers, & that the separation of the Confederate States does not impair its importance—In Confirmation, we know that a diplomatic note of rather a disagreeable nature, has been sent the spanish minister from the Department of State in reference thereto—Notwithstanding all this fleet may now or hereafter be ordered to our coast, hence we would say—Strengthen the defences at the mouth of the Mississippi.

Crawford.

Forsyth.

Roman.

Citation:Commissioners of the Confederate States of America to the Government of the United States, letter book.Washington, D.C., Feb 27-April 11, 1861.AMS 811/20

During March and April 1861, after seven states had seceded and formed the Confederate States of America but before war broke out, Confederate Secretary of State Robert Toombs appointed Martin J. Crawford, John Forsyth, and A.B. Roman as Commissioners of the Confederate States to Washington, DC. Their purpose was to seek diplomatic recognition from the United States and negotiate peace—at least for a while. Central to the question of peace or war was whether the United States would continue to retain claim over federal forts located in the southern states that had seceded, including Fort Pickens in Florida and Fort Sumter in South Carolina. This item is transcribed from a letter book maintained by J.T. Pickett, secretary to the commissioners, containing copies of 72 letters, dispatches, and telegrams sent and received by the commissioners from the time of their appointment to the demand for the evacuation of Fort Sumter. 

Transcript:

Washington April 3^rd 1861.

To Hon R Toombs.

Much activity to-day in the war & navy dep^ts—It is said the “Minnesota at Boston has been ordered to the mouth of the Mississippi—“Powhattan” suddenly put in Commission to Sail next week—four companies now here, three artillery—one sappers & miners ordered to New York—Report says these movements have reference to the San Domingo question—“Pawnee” will not be ready for sea until Saturday—Our intermediary says—they dare not deceive him, as they knew we don’t rely upon them, but upon him.

Crawford.

Roman.

Forsyth.

Citation:Commissioners of the Confederate States of America to the Government of the United States, letter book.Washington, D.C., Feb 27-April 11, 1861.AMS 811/20

During March and April 1861, after seven states had seceded and formed the Confederate States of America but before war broke out, Confederate Secretary of State Robert Toombs appointed Martin J. Crawford, John Forsyth, and A.B. Roman as Commissioners of the Confederate States to Washington, DC. Their purpose was to seek diplomatic recognition from the United States and negotiate peace—at least for a while. Central to the question of peace or war was whether the United States would continue to retain claim over federal forts located in the southern states that had seceded, including Fort Pickens in Florida and Fort Sumter in South Carolina. This item is transcribed from a letter book maintained by J.T. Pickett, secretary to the commissioners, containing copies of 72 letters, dispatches, and telegrams sent and received by the commissioners from the time of their appointment to the demand for the evacuation of Fort Sumter. 

Transcript (excerpt):

No 2.

Department of State.

Montgomery April 2 1861

Hon Martin J Crawford.

“ John Forsyth.

“ A. B. Roman.

Commissioners of the Confederate States.

&c. &c. &c.

Gentlemen

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatch (No 7) of the 26^th ult, signed by Messrs Crawford and Roman, and of that of the 29^th ult, signed by Mr Roman alone, together with the paper attached to the latter marked “C.”

[…]

The President feels very much gratified by the friendly disposition evinced by the representative of the foreign Government, whom you mention, by the intervention of his good offices to bring about the interview with Mr Roman, which Mr Seward sought and afterwards declined. It is almost needless to remark that the unofficial interference of that Gentleman shall be regarded as an inviolable secret.

In your dispatch of the 26^th ult, you remark: “The question now, which we wish to submit to you is, whether we shall dally longer with a Government hesitating and doubting as to its own course, or shall we demand an answer at once?”

In reply to this question I have the President’s instructions to inform you that he does not consider the delay caused by this “hesitating and doubting” policy of the U.S. Government, as injurious to this Government, and therefore, he desires that you do not make any peremptory demand for a formal answer to your official note, as long as you can maintain your present position consistently with honor and dignity, or until you are especially instructed to the contrary by this Department. […]

While the Government at Washington continues to follow its present vacillating and uncertain course, neither declaring war nor establishing peace, it affords the Confederate State the advantages of both conditions, and enables them to make all the necessary arrangement for the public defence, and the Solidifying of their Government, more safely, cheaply, and expeditiously, than they could, were the attitude of the United State more definite, and decided.

[…]

You seem to anticipate that the United States Government will propose “a truce maintaining the present Status” until the meeting of the next Congress.

[…]

Were such a proposition as that to which you refer, to be made by the United States and accepted by this Government, it is to be supposed that both parties are earnestly desirous to avoid everything which could lead to collision or difficulty.

The Confederate States have now assembled in the vicinity of Fort Pickens large bodies of troops; and while the United States retain their present force in that work, and oblige us to maintain a condition of quasi war, it is obvious that there is constant danger of collision between the forces of the two countries, however much their governments might regret the occurrence. You are therefore instructed not to agree to any proposition for the maintenance of the present Status, unless it is agreed by the United States to evacuate Forts Sumter and Pickens. […]

The importance of maintaining intimate friendly relations with the representatives of foreign Governments at Washington is fully appreciated by this Government, and the President is much pleased to find that you have established the pleasant intercourse that now exists between you and those gentlemen. Where it is in your judgment consistent with the interests of your government you will not hesitate to give them all proper information as to our public policy and assure them of the desire of the President and people of the Confederate States to be on terms of amity and good will with all the world.

[…]

I am Gentlemen,

Very Respectfully yours

R. Toombs.

Citation:Commissioners of the Confederate States of America to the Government of the United States, letter book.Washington, D.C., Feb 27-April 11, 1861.AMS 811/20

During March and April 1861, after seven states had seceded and formed the Confederate States of America but before war broke out, Confederate Secretary of State Robert Toombs appointed Martin J. Crawford, John Forsyth, and A.B. Roman as Commissioners of the Confederate States to Washington, DC. Their purpose was to seek diplomatic recognition from the United States and negotiate peace—at least for a while. Central to the question of peace or war was whether the United States would continue to retain claim over federal forts located in the southern states that had seceded, including Fort Pickens in Florida and Fort Sumter in South Carolina. This item is transcribed from a letter book maintained by J.T. Pickett, secretary to the commissioners, containing copies of 72 letters, dispatches, and telegrams sent and received by the commissioners from the time of their appointment to the demand for the evacuation of Fort Sumter.

Transcript (excerpt):

No 9

Commission of the Confederate States

Washington, April 1^st 1861.

Hon: Robert Toombs,

Secretary of State

of the Confederate States,

Montgomery, Alabama.

Sir,

[…]

I have thought it of the highest importance that we should have, before definite action upon our part, the settled, fixed and permanent possession of our own Government; that we should have, as far as possible, the confidence and support of our own people; that we should look alone to our future safety, permanence and prosperity. With these objects steadily in view we might do much at this point to secure them all. My conception therefore of the wants of the Confederate States at this time, is comprised in the single word Peace. If they have peace whatever of life there is in the movement can be successfully developed. If there is not vitality in it, it will perish without destruction to the elements of order and civilization which it found existing at the time of its formation. We all know that the Northern people no where recognize the legal validity of the movement, the doctrine of secession has no advocates or supporters among them. We cannot obtain from the Federal union any recognition of the right of secession, because the President, with the sanction of all parties North, repudiates it; but he, at the same time, with the concurrence of a large portion of the Northern people, desires to escape the peril of a civil war, and rejects force as the essential principle of Government,—at least we believe this to be his and their principle.

The question of force therefore becomes the important matter in our negotiations and must be the first to be settled. Is it not possible then, that we can make this a common ground upon which we can deal with the Federal Government and gradually enlarge it so as to comprehend all our aims, in the course of a reasonable time?

[…]

In the cause of peace we have visibly at work for us—1^st, the Democratic party, with which the South has been allied; 2^nd, the interests of commerce—a great bond in itself; 3^rd, the hopes of those who still cling to the idea of reconstruction if war be avoided; 4^th, The Border states, men of all parties, and who are our most powerful allies; 5^th, a portion of the Republicans themselves are for peace.

[…]

We think then that the policy of “masterly inactivity,” on our part, was wise in every particular. I thought so because I knew that we were not quite ready to move on the enemy. I witnessed the delays and the difficulties surrounding our infant Republic in its first efforts for organization and existence. I knew its resources, power, capacity, and was not willing to allow it rashly to engage in a trial of military strength with a Government which had the advantages of nearly three quarters of a century of organization and growth. Many of our people rely upon the forbearance of the United States.

This will not do now; that time has passed, and whatsoever be done in future must be done only as we are able to maintain it at the cannon’s mouth.

[…]

I am, Very Respectfully,

Sir,

Your most obt: svt:

Martin J Crawford

Citation:Commissioners of the Confederate States of America to the Government of the United States, letter book.Washington, D.C., Feb 27-April 11, 1861.AMS 811/20

During March and April 1861, after seven states had seceded and formed the Confederate States of America but before war broke out, Confederate Secretary of State Robert Toombs appointed Martin J. Crawford, John Forsyth, and A.B. Roman as Commissioners of the Confederate States to Washington, DC. Their purpose was to seek diplomatic recognition from the United States and negotiate peace—at least for a while. Central to the question of peace or war was whether the United States would continue to retain claim over federal forts located in the southern states that had seceded, including Fort Pickens in Florida and Fort Sumter in South Carolina. This item is transcribed from a letter book maintained by J.T. Pickett, secretary to the commissioners, containing copies of 72 letters, dispatches, and telegrams sent and received by the commissioners from the time of their appointment to the demand for the evacuation of Fort Sumter .

Transcript:

Washington March 30^th 1861.

To.

Hon R. Toombs.

Another interview between the parties named in our dispatches has just taken place. Every statement given us strictly observed except as to time in case of Sumter, order not Countermanded. Pressure from Connecticut undoubtedly delays that. No attempt to reinforce Pickens has been or will be made without notice.

M J. Crawford.

A B. Roman.

Citation:Commissioners of the Confederate States of America to the Government of the United States, letter book.Washington, D.C., Feb 27-April 11, 1861.AMS 811/20

During March and April 1861, after seven states had seceded and formed the Confederate States of America but before war broke out, Confederate Secretary of State Robert Toombs appointed Martin J. Crawford, John Forsyth, and A.B. Roman as Commissioners of the Confederate States to Washington, DC. Their purpose was to seek diplomatic recognition from the United States and negotiate peace—at least for a while. Central to the question of peace or war was whether the United States would continue to retain claim over federal forts located in the southern states that had seceded, including Fort Pickens in Florida and Fort Sumter in South Carolina. This item is transcribed from a letter book maintained by J.T. Pickett, secretary to the commissioners, containing copies of 72 letters, dispatches, and telegrams sent and received by the commissioners from the time of their appointment to the demand for the evacuation of Fort Sumter .

Transcript [excerpt]:

No 8

Washington, March 29th 1861

Hon: Robert Toombs.

Secretary of State

of the Confederate States,

Montgomery, Alabama.

Sir,

The situation of things here has not changed since the joint dispatch sent by Mr Crawford and myself on the 26th Inst: We have, however, additional reason to believe that, the peace policy is every day gaining ground: if it is not openly avowed by the Administration it is only because they think that public opinion is not sufficiently prepared for it. They fear that a retrograde movement, if taken immediately, may incense the radical Republicans and materially affect the result of the elections which are to take place next week in Connecticut and Rhode Island. They are doing their best to soothe the most irritable among their friends and I find a proof of their success in the editorial marked “A,” on the policy of forbearance, which I have cut from the New York Tribune of the day before yesterday…….It seems evident that Greely who is now in Washington and knows perfectly what is going on, is preparing to take a backward step. The Senate has adjourned sine die yesterday.

[…]

In a conversation with the French Minister yesterday he asked and told me many things confidentially, as to our present situation and our future prospects. When I stated that, in my opinion, our negotiations would end in a truce maintaining the present status, which I considered as equivalent to a quasi recognition of our Independence, he observed that, from what he had already learned from other sources he supposed that would be the arrangement made.

If we obtained it he did not know whether the European Governments would immediately acknowledge us: he had received from Paris no information on that subject, but they would naturally feel disposed to follow the example of the Government of the United States, and to act toward us as if we were Independent.

I think much could be done here with the foreign Ministers to facilitate our negotiations with Europe. It is from them, as a matter of course, that their respective Governments receive the information as to our position and our prospects, on which their opinions are based.

[…]

Very Respectfully

Your obedient servant:

A B Roman.

Citation:Commissioners of the Confederate States of America to the Government of the United States, letter book.Washington, D.C., Feb 27-April 11, 1861.AMS 811/20

During March and April 1861, after seven states had seceded and formed the Confederate States of America but before war broke out, Confederate Secretary of State Robert Toombs appointed Martin J. Crawford, John Forsyth, and A.B. Roman as Commissioners of the Confederate States to Washington, DC. Their purpose was to seek diplomatic recognition from the United States and negotiate peace—at least for a while. Central to the question of peace or war was whether the United States would continue to retain claim over federal forts located in the southern states that had seceded, including Fort Pickens in Florida and Fort Sumter in South Carolina. This item is transcribed from a letter book maintained by J.T. Pickett, secretary to the commissioners, containing copies of 72 letters, dispatches, and telegrams sent and received by the commissioners from the time of their appointment to the demand for the evacuation of Fort Sumter .

Transcript:

Washington March 28^th, 1861

To Hon R. Toombs.

The Senate has adjourned Sine die—There is a dead calm here.

Commissioners

Citation:Commissioners of the Confederate States of America to the Government of the United States, letter book.Washington, D.C., Feb 27-April 11, 1861.AMS 811/20

During March and April 1861, after seven states had seceded and formed the Confederate States of America but before war broke out, Confederate Secretary of State Robert Toombs appointed Martin J. Crawford, John Forsyth, and A.B. Roman as Commissioners of the Confederate States to Washington, DC. Their purpose was to seek diplomatic recognition from the United States and negotiate peace—at least for a while. Central to the question of peace or war was whether the United States would continue to retain claim over federal forts located in the southern states that had seceded, including Fort Pickens in Florida and Fort Sumter in South Carolina. This item is transcribed from a letter book maintained by J.T. Pickett, secretary to the commissioners, containing copies of 72 letters, dispatches, and telegrams sent and received by the commissioners from the time of their appointment to the demand for the evacuation of Fort Sumter .

Transcript:

Washington March 27th. 1861.

To

Hon R. Toombs.

It is believed here in Administration Circles that their Eight Million loan advertised for on second proximo will not be taken without specific assurances peace policy—Official orders from the War office directs Maj. Anderson to recruiting service Newport Ky.

Commissioners.

Citation:Commissioners of the Confederate States of America to the Government of the United States, letter book.Washington, D.C., Feb 27-April 11, 1861. AMS 811/20

During March and April 1861, after seven states had seceded and formed the Confederate States of America but before war broke out, Confederate Secretary of State Robert Toombs appointed Martin J. Crawford, John Forsyth, and A.B. Roman as Commissioners of the Confederate States to Washington, DC. Their purpose was to seek diplomatic recognition from the United States and negotiate peace—at least for a while. Central to the question of peace or war was whether the United States would continue to retain claim over federal forts located in the southern states that had seceded, including Fort Pickens in Florida and Fort Sumter in South Carolina. This item is transcribed from a letter book maintained by J.T. Pickett, secretary to the commissioners, containing copies of 72 letters, dispatches, and telegrams sent and received by the commissioners from the time of their appointment to the demand for the evacuation of Fort Sumter .

Transcript (redacted):

No 6.

Washington March 25^th 1861

Sir.

Our joint dispatch of the 22^nd inst. has informed you of the facts which have induced the commissioners to adopt the course of action, or rather of inaction, which they are now following. An incident has, since that time, taken place which corroborates so much the statements we have transmitted, that I consider it my duty to communicate it to you.

Having sent my card to the residence of the Russian Minister, with the letter you had given me for him, he called on me the next day and we had in the french language, which he speaks like a Parisian, a very long conversation. On taking leave he expressed his regret at not being able to see me for some time, as he was going to New York, where he would spend ten or twelve days. It was therefore with some surprise that I saw Mr De Stoeckl again in my parlor yesterday morning. He soon explained, with the frankness which characterizes him, the motive of his visit—He told me that he had been long and intimately acquainted with Mr Seward; that having seen him the day before, they had conversed freely on the actual position of things in the United Sates; that Mr Seward expressed an earnest desire for a peaceful settlement of all the difficulties which now convulse the country; he said that no coercion whatever, no blockade of their ports, would be attempted by the administration against the seceding states; that they would be suffered to collect the duties at the custom-houses but the expenses of their post-offices ought to be paid out of them; that if they were permitted to proceed peacefully in the course they had adopted, he hoped to see them retrace their steps and return to the Union, but if he was to be deceived in that hope, if they persevered in maintaining the position they had assumed, he was of opinion that they should be permitted to depart in peace, and that the conditions of the separation should be settled amicably; that the peace policy would finally prevail, but the necessary time ought to be granted to him. The Senate had not yet adjourned; he had to fight the ultra Republicans of his own party; he was daily gaining ground and would eventually succeed; the difficulties with which he was surrounded should be taken into consideration—Mr. de Stoeckl here remarked that he was quite gratified to hear Mr Seward express such opinions. There would then be no civil war, for he had had a conversation with me on that very subject; I had told him, and he saw I spoke in good faith, that I had come as a peace maker […] Mr Seward said he knew of my arrival, I had sent him my card; he was sorry that our relative positions prevented his paying me a visit; he wanted to see me and to converse freely with me; could not Mr de Stoeckl arrange an informal meeting between us at his home? […]I am therefore invited to take a cup of tea at the Russian Minister’s, on Tuesday next, (tomorrow) at 8 o’clock in the evening. Mr Seward will come in, by chance, at the same time. After tea, Mr de Stoekl will be compelled to go out, on account of business, and Mr Seward and myself will be left together—I need scarcely add that you will be duly informed of the result of our conversation.

Some of the details I have given above might, on any other occasion, be considered as unnecessary and tediously long, but when they relate to a subject which is to us of so vital an importance, I hope you will think it was not improper to give them, in order to enable you to form a correct opinion of the position we now occupy.

Respectfully

Your obedient servant.

A. B. Roman

Hon. R. Toombs.

Secretary of State.

Citation:Commissioners of the Confederate States of America to the Government of the United States, letter book.Washington, D.C., Feb 27-April 11, 1861.AMS 811/20

During March and April 1861, after seven states had seceded and formed the Confederate States of America but before war broke out, Confederate Secretary of State Robert Toombs appointed Martin J. Crawford, John Forsyth, and A.B. Roman as Commissioners of the Confederate States to Washington, DC. Their purpose was to seek diplomatic recognition from the United States and negotiate peace—at least for a while. Central to the question of peace or war was whether the United States would continue to retain claim over federal forts located in the southern states that had seceded, including Fort Pickens in Florida and Fort Sumter in South Carolina. This item is transcribed from a letter book maintained by J.T. Pickett, secretary to the commissioners, containing copies of 72 letters, dispatches, and telegrams sent and received by the commissioners from the time of their appointment to the demand for the evacuation of Fort Sumter.

Transcript:

Washington March 22^nd 1861.

To Hon R. Toombs.

We have the highest assurances that the delay in the Evacuation of Fort Sumter shows no bad faith, that it will be done as soon as possible. That Pickens will not be reinforced without notice to us. We feel encouraged. We write department fully.

Roman Crawford & Forsyth.

Citation:Commissioners of the Confederate States of America to the Government of the United States, letter book.Washington, D.C., Feb 27-April 11, 1861.AMS 811/20