NF Hampton Roads Peace Conference

[Shane Cavitt]

I am interested in learning more about the Hampton Roads Peace Conference and the time and issues surrounding it. Is there a book recommendation that tackles this subject? Or are there any books that have a section that covers this particular subject in detail? Appreciate any suggestions! Thanks!

 

[KeyserSoze]

Only Jefferson Davis would have the hubris to send representatives to Hampton Roads in February 1865 to ask Lincoln, "Are you ready to surrender yet?"

 

[John Hartwell]

The Confederate Commissioners report of the proceedings was published in June of 1865. Here is the account, as conveyed (with additions) by the Portland (Me.) Daily Eastern Argus of June 28:

 

[USS ALASKA]

Is there a book recommendation that tackles this subject?

'Our One Common Country: Abraham Lincoln And The Hampton Roads Peace Conference Of 1865' by James Conroy

"Our One Common Country explores the most critical meeting of the Civil War. Given short shrift or overlooked by many historians, the Hampton Roads Conference of 1865 was a crucial turning point in the War between the States. In this well written and highly documented book, James B. Conroy describes in fascinating detail what happened when leaders from both sides came together to try to end the hostilities. The meeting was meant to end the fighting on peaceful terms. It failed, however, and the war dragged on for two more bloody, destructive months. Through meticulous research of both primary and secondary sources, Conroy tells the story of the doomed peace negotiations through the characters who lived it. With a fresh and immediate perspective, Our One Common Country offers a thrilling and eye-opening look into the inability of our nation's leaders to find a peaceful solution. The failure of the Hamptons Roads Conference shaped the course of American history and the future of America's wars to come."

Biography of James Conroy
"A graduate of the University of Connecticut and the Georgetown University Law Center, James B. Conroy has been a trial lawyer in Boston for 32 years, having first pursued a public affairs career in Washington, D.C. as a House and Senate press secretary, speechwriter, and chief of staff. He served for six years in the United States Navy reserve in antisubmarine aviation units. Active in town affairs in Hingham, Massachusetts, he has chaired the town's Advisory Committee, its Government Study Committee and its Task Force on Affordability and coached youth sports teams. Our One Common Country: Abraham Lincoln and the Hampton Roads Peace Conference of 1865 is his first book, born of a love of history and a lifelong ambition to contribute to it. "

Can be had CHEAP on Amazon - out of 61 reviews, only one pretty brutal 2 star - most are 5 star.

Cheers,
USS ALASKA

 

[Shane Cavitt]

'Our One Common Country: Abraham Lincoln And The Hampton Roads Peace Conference Of 1865' by James Conroy

"Our One Common Country explores the most critical meeting of the Civil War. Given short shrift or overlooked by many historians, the Hampton Roads Conference of 1865 was a crucial turning point in the War between the States. In this well written and highly documented book, James B. Conroy describes in fascinating detail what happened when leaders from both sides came together to try to end the hostilities. The meeting was meant to end the fighting on peaceful terms. It failed, however, and the war dragged on for two more bloody, destructive months. Through meticulous research of both primary and secondary sources, Conroy tells the story of the doomed peace negotiations through the characters who lived it. With a fresh and immediate perspective, Our One Common Country offers a thrilling and eye-opening look into the inability of our nation's leaders to find a peaceful solution. The failure of the Hamptons Roads Conference shaped the course of American history and the future of America's wars to come."

Biography of James Conroy
"A graduate of the University of Connecticut and the Georgetown University Law Center, James B. Conroy has been a trial lawyer in Boston for 32 years, having first pursued a public affairs career in Washington, D.C. as a House and Senate press secretary, speechwriter, and chief of staff. He served for six years in the United States Navy reserve in antisubmarine aviation units. Active in town affairs in Hingham, Massachusetts, he has chaired the town's Advisory Committee, its Government Study Committee and its Task Force on Affordability and coached youth sports teams. Our One Common Country: Abraham Lincoln and the Hampton Roads Peace Conference of 1865 is his first book, born of a love of history and a lifelong ambition to contribute to it. "

Can be had CHEAP on Amazon - out of 61 reviews, only one pretty brutal 2 star - most are 5 star.

Cheers,
USS ALASKA

Thanks Alaska! Sounds just like what I was looking for.

 

[USS ALASKA]

You're quite welcome sir. Hope this helps.

USS ALASKA

 

[Jimklag]

I am interested in learning more about the Hampton Roads Peace Conference and the time and issues surrounding it. Is there a book recommendation that tackles this subject? Or are there any books that have a section that covers this particular subject in detail? Appreciate any suggestions! Thanks!

The southern delegates were only authorized to deal on the basis of two separate countries and Lincoln, who knew he was dealing from strength, would only deal on the basis of one common country. The conference was doomed in advance. It was the south's last desperate try to gain in the conference room what they had failed to gain on the battlefield. They consistently underestimated Lincoln to the very end.

 

[major bill]

Lincoln did seem to be flexible on ending slavery over several years, $200,000,000 for ending the secession and another $200,000,000 to compensate slave owners. However, Lincoln would not recognize Confederate independence.

Davis was willing to discuss the other issues, but insisted on Confederate independence.

I do not see a way the peace conference could have worked unless Davis or Lincoln would give in on the main issue. Even if Lincoln was willing to up the money, I do not see Lincoln in 1865 recognizing an independent Confedercy. Davis simply could not accept anything less. By 1865 Davis simply did not have the position to dictate peace terms to the Union.

What would have happened if Davis allowed the various Confederate states to accept peace terms with the Union separately? Any hope for peace there? I am not sure any Confederate state would have agreed to rejoin the Union in 1865 in exchange for peace.

 

[JeffBrooks]

The southern delegates were only authorized to deal on the basis of two separate countries and Lincoln, who knew he was dealing from strength, would only deal on the basis of one common country. The conference was doomed in advance. It was the south's last desperate try to gain in the conference room what they had failed to gain on the battlefield. They consistently underestimated Lincoln to the very end.

I think it was just a political ploy by Davis to rally support around him in 1865. He had no expectation that Lincoln would deal with him, which was exactly what he wanted. Davis could go to his people and say, "Look, folks, I tried to talk us out of this but Lincoln only demanded we surrender. Now, are you with me or not?"

 

[Carronade]

What would have happened if Davis allowed the various Confederate states to accept peace terms with the Union separately? Any hope for peace there? I am not sure any Confederate state would have agreed to rejoin the Union in 1865 in exchange for peace.

That would essentially mean dissolving the Confederacy. Going to war or making peace is about the most profound action any governmental entity can take. If states can do it on their own, what need is there for a central government?

The fundamental truth about "peace" negotiations, whether in 1861 or 1865, is that there was no middle ground between Confederate independence and preservation of the Union.