180 JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS [June 11,

The Government of the Confederate States receive with respect
the suggestion of the State of Maryland, that there should be "a
general cessation of hostilities now impending, until the meeting
of the Congress in July next, in order that said body may, if pos-
sible, arrange for an adjustment of existing troubles, by means of
negotiation, rather than the sword," but is at a loss how to reply,
without a repetition of the language it has used on every possible
occasion that has presented itself, since the establishment of its
independence. In deference to the State of Maryland, however,
it again asserts, in the most emphatic terms, that its sincere and
earnest desire is for peace; that whilst the Government would
readily entertain any proposition from the Government of the
United States tending lo a peaceful solution of the pending diffi-
culties, the recent attempts of this Government to enter into
negotiations with that of the United States, were attended with
results which forbid any renewal of proposals from it to that Gov-
ernment.

If any further assurance of the desire of this Government for
peace were necessary, it would be sufficient to observe that, being
formed of a confederation of sovereign States, each acting and
deciding for itself, the right of every other sovereign State to the
same self-action and self-government is necessarily acknowledged.
Hence, conquests of other States are wholly inconsistent with the
fundamental principles, and subversive of the very organization
of this Government. Its policy cannot but be peace—peace with
all nations and people.

Very respectfully,

JEFFERSON DAVIS.

Messrs. McKaig, Yellott and Harding, Committee of Maryland
Legislature.

Which was read.

Mr. Lynch submitted the following:

Ordered, That five thousand copies of the Report and Resolutions
be printed for the use of the Senate, with the Report from the
House.

Mr. Kimmel moved to strike out five thousand and insert one
thousand.

The question was taken upon the order.

The yeas and nays being demanded, appeared as follows:

AFFIRMATIVE.

Messrs. Brooke, President; McKaig,

Blackistone, Watkins,

Lynch, Whitaker—6,