ory.( 6)

Though in a sense inaugurated in 1863, another quite as futile
attempt to bring about peace was in progress in July, 1864. James
F. Jaquess, Colonel of the 73d Illinois, serving in Rosecrans' army
--a Methodist Episcopal clergyman, a D.D.--in May, 1863, wrote to
James A. Garfield, Chief of Staff, calling attention to the fact
that his church had divided on the slavery question; saying that
the Methodist Episcopal Church South had been a leading element in
the Rebellion and prominent in the prosecution of the war; that a
considerable part of the territory of that church South was in the
possession of the Union Army; that from its ministers, once bitterly
opposed to the Union, he had learned in person:

"That they consider the Rebellion has killed the Methodist Episcopal
Church South; that it has virtually obliterated slavery, and all
the prominent questions of difference between the North and the
South; that they are desirous of returning to the 'Old Church';
that their brethren of the South are most heartily tired of the
Rebellion; and that they most ardently desire peace, and the
privilege of returning to their allegiance to church and state,
and that they will do this on the first offer coming from a reliable
source. . . . And from these considerations, but not from these
alone, but because God has laid the duty on me, I submit to the
proper authorities the following proposition, viz.: _I will go
into the Southern Confederacy and return within ninety days with
terms of peace that the government will accept_."

He further stated;

"I propose no compromise with traitors--but their immediate return
to allegiance to God and their country. . . . I propose to do this
work in the name of the Lord; if He puts it in the hearts of my
superiors to allow me to do it, I shall be thankful; if not, I have
discharged my duty."

This letter Rosecrans forwarded to Mr. Lincoln, approving Jacquess'
application. The President, seeing the difficulties, wrote Rosecrans
saying Jacquess "could not go with any government authority," yet
left to Rosecrans the discretion to grant the desired furlough.
The furlough was granted. Jacquess, finding a mere furlough or
church influence would not aid him in getting into the Confederate
lines, repaired to Baltimore and besought General Schenck to send
him _via_ Fort Monore to Richmond. Schenck wired the President
(July 13th) Jacquess' wishes and was answered: "Mr. Jacquess is
a v