lation, at that moment
their existence is in the utmost peril--this would produce
hesitation and confusion that would hasten peace and our
independence. With these meager suggestions upon the subject
I will leave it for this time. If you deem the matter worthy
of any encouragement, and will so apprize me, I believe I
can give you such evidences of loyalty and integrity of
character as will entitle it to your consideration. So far
as I am concerned, I will say, however, that I was born and
raised in Middle Georgia. All my relationships and
affections are purely Southern. I was opposed to secession,
but am now committed to the death against subjugation or
reunion with men of whose instincts and moral character,
till this war, I was totally ignorant. If I have insulted
any scruple or religious principle of yours I beg to be
pardoned. I neglected to state in the proper place that I
am an officer in the volunteer service.

"'Begging your respectful attention to this communication,

"I am, your Excellency's most obedient servant,

"'H. C. Durham, 63d Ga.'

"The reading of this communication was received with cheers from quite
a number of those present, principally Southern men. Carey said that the
Secretary of War had sent for Durham, and that he was then at Richmond.
He was a fine looking, intelligent man, terribly in earnest. This was
thought, although there was hesitancy about it in the Cabinet, to be a
much more feasible undertaking than the attempt to explode the Capitol
at Washington. The necessity for some radical measure to be adopted and
put into execution at once was the reason for these documents having
been taken from the archives and placed in the present hands in their
original form.

"Lieut. W. Alston, of Sulphur Springs, Va., who was present, as stated
by Carey, also proposed to the authorities at Richmond to undertake to
rid the country of the Confederacy's most deadly enemies, and authorized
the committee to say that he, here and now, renewed his proposition; all
of which Carey submitted to the assembly for their consideration.

"The propositions having been submitted in due form, the Chairman stated
that they were before the assembly and open for consideration. Jacob
Thomlinson opened the discussion, and said that these propositions were
of the most vital importance; that the success of the Confederacy