Our commissioners? Well we know who's slant this gives, don't we?
So what were the Commssioners supposed to accomplish? They were there, in the words of Jefferson Davis's letter to Lincoln, for "the purpose of establishing friendly relations between the Confederate States and the United States..." Period. They were not there to negotiate an end to the crisis but to obtain recognition from the Lincoln Administration of the legitimacy of the Southern acts of secession. Then, and only then, were they autorized to "agree, treat, consult, and negotiate of and concerning all matters and subjects interesting to both nations..." So Lincoln's choice was to agree to this demand and give in completely, or not meet with them at all. Not surprisingly he refused to meet with them until such time as actual negotiations might have been possible.
Why don't YOU READ what Davis said their purpose was?
It is straight from the "proverbial horses mouth" if you will.
Besides, I would trust the word of a Southern Gentleman before I would trust "Honest Abe"......
I think this gives a very clear picture of what happened.