Slidell, to A similar document, with the necessary changes, has been presented to all the cabinets of Europe, Constantinople excepted. Mr. Slidell handed in person to M. Drouyn de Lhuys the above. Bishop Lynch will hand to the Pope the copy intended for him, November 11, 1864

[Untitled]

The following collective note has been addressed to the French minister of foreign affairs by the diplomatic representatives of the confederate government in Europe. The note transmits an official copy of the manifesto of the congress of the Confederate States:

“Sir: The undersigned, commissioners of the Confederate States of America, have the honor, in conformity with instructions from their government, to present to your excellency a copy of a manifesto published by the congress of the said States with the approbation of the president, who was requested to send copies to his commissioners abroad, in order that they might communicate them to the foreign governments. The undersigned communicate, at the same time, a copy of the preamble and of the resolutions of the congress annexed to the said manifesto.

“The feelings, the principles, and the views which have inspired and still inspire the Confederate States are set forth in this document with all the authority appertaining to the solemn declarations of the legislative and executive branches of their government, and with a clearness which leaves no room for either comment or explanations. It is therein declared, in a few words, that all they ask for is that there shall be no interference with their peace and internal prosperity, and that they may be allowed peaceably to enjoy their undeniable rights of life and liberty as well as that of laboring for their happiness.

“Those are rights which their common ancestors have declared to be equally the inheritance of all the parties who subscribed the social compact. Let the north cease to attack us, and the war will be at an end. If any questions exist which require to be settled by means of negotiations, the Confederate States have always been and still are disposed to enter into communication with their adversaries in a spirit of equity and of noble frankness, and to submit their cause to the enlightened judgment as well as the solemn and sacred arbitration of Heaven.

“The undersigned very respectfully solicit the attention of the government of his Imperial Majesty to this frank and complete explanation of the attitude and views of the Confederate States. They will, moreover, simply observe that since the publication of this manifesto our enemies have continued to make war with a recrudescence of ferocity, with a still more glaring contempt for all the laws of war between civilized nations, and by more audaciously violating the obligations of international law.

“After having thus fulfilled the instructions of their government, the undersigned tender to your excellency the expression of the sentiments of distinguished consideration with which they have the honor to be, your excellency, your humble and obedient servants,