Boyce, William Waters (1818-1890) to Judah P. Benjamin
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06003 Author/Creator: Boyce, William Waters (1818-1890) Place Written: Winnsboro, South Carolina Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 17 July 1862 Pagination: 2 p. : envelope ; 25 x 19.8 cm. Order a Copy
Offers Benjamin a number of suggestions for Confederate foreign policy. Suggests that the Confederacy should "propose a peace to the Lincoln Government the terms of which should be peculiarly favourable to the North West and Pennsylvania." Expects "Lincoln would reject this tender, but the offer I think would do us good." Expects that "The tendency of this offer is to divide the North West and Pennsylvania from the rest of the North." If the peace offers "free navigation of the Mississippi" and other such concessions favoring the North West, this may help convince these areas that continued fighting is not in their interests, especially at a time when Lincoln has just called for "300,000 more troops." Expects other positive outcomes as well. The offer "Causes the question of peace to be considered at the North...and discussion can do no harm." Also "gives advocated for peace at the North something to go upon," and "will have a good effect on Europe, especially if you throw in some pretty phrases about our unwillingness to shed blood etc etc." Also suggests an alliance with Louis Napoleon, "I think the only possible chance of a permanent peace is an alliance with one of the great European powers & Louis Napoleon is the only possible chance. Also wants Benjamin to persuade or pay European newspapers to write articles attacking the financial situation of the United States. Wants the Confederate Congress to set aside a "large secret fund" for this purpose. The envelope has a canceled 10 cent CSA postage stamp.
William W. Boyce was a member of the Confederate Congress, previously a United States Congressman from South Carolina.
Judah P. Benjamin was the Confederate Secretary of State. Previously served as United States Senator from Louisiana and Confederate Secretary of War.
Winnsboro' July 17th, 1862.
My Dear Sir
I wish to submit [struck: to you] [inserted: a few] ideas to you, for your consideration.
I think it would be a good idea to promptly propose a peace to the Lincoln Government, the terms of which should be peculiarly favourable to the North West and Pennsylvania, such as the free navigation of the Mississippi forever guaranteed in the strongest manner & the introduction free of duty of the agricultural products of the North West & Pennsylvania. I take it for granted that Lincoln would reject this tender, but the offer I think would do us good. 1.st It would show the North West & Pennsylvania that they had (comparatively speaking) no interest in prosecuting the war. This discovery coming to them at the time, the direct tax, the repulse before Richmond, the call for 300.000 more troops come, may open their eyes somewhat. The tendency of this offer is to divide the North West & Pennsylvania from the rest of the North. 2nd. This offer causes the question of peace to be considered at the North. Its consideration and discussion can do no harm.
3rd. It gives the advocates for peace at [2] the North something to go upon.
4th. It will have a good effect in Europe, especially if you throw in some pretty phrases about our unwillingness to shed blood etc etc.
While you make this tender to Lincoln with the certainty of its rejection, try Louis Napoleon for an alliance, offensive and defensive and see if he has his price. I think the only possible chance of a permanent peace is an alliance with one of the great European Powers, & Louis Napoleon is the only possible chance. Can't you damage the credit of [struck: Lincoln] the Federal loans & through the English press, or some secret agent at the North? A series of well written articles to show that the immense public debt of the Federal Gov't must be repudiated would do good & other expedients might be adopted. I desired Congress to put a large secret fund at the disposal of yr Dep't to act on public opinion in Europe & at the North. Introduced such a resolution, it was referred to one of the committees, but not reported. Can't you take up this matter. If you have money enough you can edit Bennett's Herold, the London Times & some equally honest & influential papers in Paris.
With very high respect,
Yours very truly &c.
Wm. W. Boyce
Hon. J. P. Benjamin
Sec of State.
P.S. I donot expect an answer as I do not desire you to devellope your foreign policy to me.
[envelope]
JP. Fendley
Compy C. 2nd So Ca Cavaly
Camp Near
Hamilton Crossing
Va
Hon W.W. Boyce
[House Reps]
Richmond
Va
Stamp [text loss]
of Letter
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