pe, he
dispatched his diplomatic representative to Rome with a carefully worded
letter to the Pope in which he expressed his gratitude to Pius IX for
his efforts in behalf of peace. The Pope had urged his bishops in New
Orleans and New York to strive to end the war.

The Vatican received the Confederate diplomat with every mark of
courtesy and every expression of respect accorded the most powerful
nations of the world. The Dominican friars had not forgotten the
wistful, eager boy they had taught, and loved in Kentucky.

The Pope replied to this communication in an official letter which
virtually recognized the Confederacy--both in his capacity as a temporal
sovereign and as the head of the Roman Catholic Church.

The President read this letter with renewed hope of favorable action
abroad.

"ILLUSTRIOUS AND HONORABLE PRESIDENT:

"Salutation:

"We have just received with all suitable welcome the persons sent by
you to place in our hands your letter dated twenty-third of September
last.

"Not slight was the pleasure we experienced when we learned from
those persons and the letter, with what feelings of joy and gratitude
you were animated, illustrious and honorable President, as soon as
you were informed of our letters to our venerable brother John,
Archbishop of New York, and John, Archbishop of New Orleans, dated
the eighteenth of October of last year, and in which we have with all
our strength excited and exhorted these venerable brothers, that in
their episcopal piety and solicitude, they should endeavor, with the
most ardent zeal, and in our name, to bring about the end of the
fatal civil war which has broken out in those countries, in order
that the American people may obtain peace and concord, and dwell
charitably together.

"It is particularly agreeable to us to see that you, illustrious and
honorable President, and your good people, are animated with the
same desire of peace and tranquillity which we have in our letters
inculcated upon our venerable brothers. May it please God at the same
time to make the other people of America and their ruler, reflecting
seriously how terrible is civil war, and what calamities it engenders,
listen to the inspiration of a calm spirit, and adopt resolutely the
part of peace.

"As for us, we shall not cease to offer up the most fervent prayers
to God Almighty tha