September 8, 1862 (Tuesday): Lee's Peace Proposal

Best Farm, Confederate Camp Site Outside Frederick (NPS)

HEADQUARTERS.
Near Fredericktown, Md., September 8, 1862.
His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS,
President of the Confederate States, Richmond, Va.:
    MR. PRESIDENT: The present position of affairs, in my opinion, places it in the power of the Government of the Confederate States to propose with propriety to that of the United States the recognition of our independence. For more than a year both sections of the country have been devastated by hostilities which have brought sorrow and suffering upon thousands of homes, without advancing the objects which our enemies proposed to themselves in beginning the contest. Such a proposition, coming from us at this time, could in no way be regarded as suing for peace; but, being made when it is in our power to inflict injury upon our adversary, would show conclusively to the world that our sole object is the establishment of our independence and the attainment of an honorable peace. The rejection of this offer would prove to the country that the responsibility of the continuance of the war does not rest upon us, but that the party in power in the United States elect to prosecute it for purpose of their own. The proposal of peace would enable the people of the United States to determine at their coming elections whether they will support, those who favor a prolongation of the war, or those who wish to bring it to a termination, which can but be productive of good to both parties without affecting the honor of either.
    I have the honor to be, with high respect, your obedient servant,


    R. E. LEE,
    General.

Official Record, Series I., Vol. 19, Part 2, Page 600.

Whatever Davis thought of Lee's idea, it was soon overtaken by events at South Mountain and Antietam.  Lee must have keenly felt the import of the moment, with Confederate armies on the offensive and the Lincoln administration successfully calling for yet another massive levy on the states for troops.  Momentum surely rested with the Confederates, but it was a fleeting thing.