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

Copy “B”

Notes of Judge Campbell

No. 2

My confidence in the two facts stated in my ntoe of the 15th to wit that Fort Sumter is to be evacuated and that provisions have been made for that purpose; and will be completed without any delay or any disposition for delay is unabated.

2d That no prejudicial movement to the South is contemplated as respects fort Pickens__I shall be able to speak positively tomorrow afetrnoon.

21st Mar 1861                          Signed J. A. C

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.

Washington March 15^th 1861.

To Hon R Toombs.

By pressing we can get an answer to our official note tomorrow. If we do we believe it will be adverse to recognition & peace. We are sure that within five (5) days Sumter will be evacuated. We are sure that no steps will be taken to change the military status. With a few days delay a favorable answer may be had. Our personal interests command us to press, duty to our Country Commands us to wait—What shall we do? Answer.

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 (redacted):

No 1.

Department of State

Montgomery March 14^th, 1861.

Hons Martin J Crawford &

John Forsyth

Commissioners of the Confederate States

&c. &c. &c.

Gentlemen,

[…] On some of the points to which you refer, I think it very important to give you additional information and instruction in regard to the views of this Government.

1. In reference to the proposed postponement, for a period not exceeding twenty days, of the consideration by the Government of the United States of the subjects on which you are commissioned to treat with that Government, it is the opinion of the President that, while to accord such a delay under all the circumstances, and in view of present facts and events in South Carolina, is of extremely doubtful policy, and not unlikely to lead to embarrassing complications; still, so earnest is his desire to obtain a peaceful settlement of all matters in dispute between the Confederate States and the United States, he will consent, in the interest of peace, to the proposed delay, on the terms set forth in your memorandum. He is however, decidedly averse to any extension of the term of twenty days from the date of your despatch, except in case of extreme necessity, and unless negotiations are actually pending. […]

2. […] I deem it necessary to inform you that while you are authorized to acquiesce in a proposition to refer the questions on which you are commissioned to negotiate, to the United States Senate now in session, or to the United States Congress hereafter to assemble, you are instructed not to agree to either proposition unless some definitive arrangement is made for the evacuation of the strong places now occupied by the forces of the United State within the borders of the Confederate States.

The evacuation by the United States of Fort Sumter, you are to insist on as a sine qua non. While the United States maintain a force at this fort, obstructing the entrance to one of our principal harbors, and rendering it necessary for this Government to keep a large military establishment at Charleston, it is utterly idle to talk of peace negotiations.

You will also demand pertinaciously, until otherwise instructed, the withdrawal of the United States troops and vessels of war from Fort Pickens and the waters near Pensacola. […]

3. In your despatch of the 6th inst. you make reference to the respective tariffs of the two countries, and express the apprehension that the United States Government may “insist, pending negotiations, that the Confederate States shall levy and collect the same duties which are required by the law of the United States.”

The Government of the Confederates States can never agree that negotiations shall be made dependent on the nonexecution of our own laws. If we had the power, (which we have not,) we have not the will to adopt a course which would be so clearly illegal and impolitic. Not even to avert war can we ever consent to suspend the operation of the laws which we are bound to execute.

4. During the arrangement of the preliminaries of negotiation—that is, during the twenty days delay which you propose to grant to the Government of the United States, the President sees no objection to the garrison at Fort Sumter obtaining, in limited quantities, and at short intervals, such supplies as are “needful for the comfort of the officers and men.” The manner in which those supplies should be obtained, their amount, and nature, would, of course, be regulated by the proper authorities of the Confederate States at Charleston.

Mr A.B. Roman, your co-commissioner will proceed to Washington tomorrow morning, and will convey to you this despatch. Your despatches to this Department have been communicated to him. I have no doubt that his experience and prudent council in consultation with you will be valuable to you and to the public service.

I remain, Gentlemen,

Very respectfully yours

W^m M Browne

For Mr 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 (redacted):

No. 3 Commission of the Confederate States

Washington March 8^th 1861

Hon Robert Toombs

& & &

Sir

Mr Crawford has advised the Department of the current of events here up to the 6^th Inst. Mr Forsyth reached this Capital on the 5^th Inst. Gov Roman has not arrived.

We have been in anxious consultation for the two past days as to the best method of opening negotiations with the Government. As Mr Crawford has apprised you there is reason to believe that there is a party in the Cabinet favourable to pacific measures & Mr Seward is believed to be the head of that party. As our instructions contemplate a peaceful solution and recognition without bloodshed, and delay if necessary in compassing those important objects, it was obvious that it was our policy to cultivate unofficial relations with this party & not to move officially until we were in possession of reasonable assurance that it would prevail in its struggle with the ultra element in the Cabinet. To this end we have availed ourselves of the services of a late distinguished Senator of the U. States to establish an understanding with the Secretary of State. This gentleman is urgent for delay. The tenor of his language is to this effect: “I have built up the Republican party; I have brought it to triumph; but its advent to power is accompanied of great difficulties & perils. I must save the party & save the Government in its hands. To do this, war must be averted; the negro question must be dropped; the “irrepressible conflict” ignored, and a Union party, to embrace the border Slave States inaugurated. I have already whipped Mason and Hunter in their own State. I must crush out Davis, Toombs & their colleagues in sedition in their respective states. Saving the border States to the Union by moderation & justice, the people of the Cotton States, unwillingly led into secession, will rebel against their leaders and reconstruction will follow.”

With these views we find we can travel the same path with Mr Seward up to a certain point—the point of fixing peace as the policy of the Lincoln Government. After that we diverge. Until we reach the point of pacific negotiations, it is unimportant what may be his subsequent hopes and plans. It is well that he should indulge in dreams which we know are not to be realized.

[…]

We are of the opinion that the peace party is growing in strength at the North and are gratified to be able to believe that an increased respect for our Government, its personal and moral character, its dignity, strength, and stability is spreading in the public mind.

We feel encouraged to hope by what we see around us, a successful issue to the important and delicate mission confided to us, by a course of prudence, moderation and firmness.

The Department need not be assured of the devotion of our untiring energies and most zealous efforts to that great end.

We are Very Respectfully

Sir

Your Obt Servants

John Forsyth,

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 (excerpt):

No 2.

Washington City

March 6^th, 1861

Hon R Tooms

Dear Sir,

Since my last communication the President of the U.S. has been inaugurated, delivered the Address, named his Cabinet officers and they have been confirmed. Much difficulty and embarassment attended the election of the individuals to be called around the President as his advisers, my opinion however is that the selections made will prove beneficial to the Confederate States, as it is the determined purpose of the Secretaries of State and War to adopt and maintain a peace policy; the end and aim of which is to prevent any further dismemberment of the Union in the first place, and in the second to bring back those States which have seceded.

The President himself is really not aware of the condition of the country, and his Secretaries of State and War are to open the difficulties and dangers to him in Cabinet meeting today. I have felt it my duty under instructions from your Department as well as from my own best judgment to adopt and support Mr Seward’s policy, upon conditions however that the present Status is to be rigidly maintained. His reasons and my own, it is proper to say are as wide apart as the poles, he is fully persuaded that peace will bring about a reconstruction of the Union, whilst I feel confident that it will build up, and cement our Confederacy, and put us beyond the reach either of his arms or his diplomacy.

[…]

With highest consideration

I am your 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 (excerpt):

No. 1

Washington City

March 3^rd, 1861.

Hon R Toombs.

Sir; I have the honor to inform you that I reached this city this morning at 2, o’clock, and in obedience to the instructions from your Department availed myself of all the means of information at my command to learn the dispositions of the present Administration of the U.S. government towards that of the Confederate States. I am fully satisfied that it is not wise to approach Mr. Buchanan with any hope of his doing anything which would result advantageously to our government. It was but a short time since, that he expressed himself prepared to receive Commissioners “purporting” to come from the Confederate States government, and to submit such matters as they might come properly charged to Congress, yet after this information had been communicated to your government, he either changed his mind or really lost the remembrance of what he had said, and denied having given utterance to such language or entertaining at any time such a purpose. Upon further conversations he did recollect consulting of the matter—, and again declared that he would do so, but must first consult his cabinet upon the subject and take their opinions. His fears for his personal safety, the apprehensions for the security to his property, together with the cares of State, and his advanced age, render him wholly disqualified for his present position. He is as incapable now of purpose as a child, and while I might possibly secure his promise to receive me as a Commissioner from the Confederate States, yet the moment he fell into the hands of his constitutional advisers, they would control his actions, and induce him to change his mind. Entertaining no doubt whatever as to the propriety of my course, and having discretionary powers in the matter I shall not attempt to open negotiations with the outgoing Administration.

Opinions are various as to the policy of the new Administration, the elements composing the Cabinet are not harmonious, and therefore the future alone must develope the power of the peace or war influences which will control the President. […]

When the mob which is the controlling power at present upon the course and policy of the new, President, shall have dispersed, and the Congress has adjourned I hope for more favourable results than I now entertain upon the subject matter of my mission.

With highest consideration

I am your 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