For four hours he
patiently answered the many questions they asked him, as to what
would probably be done on various subjects if the South
submitted; pointing out always the difference between the things
that he had the power to decide, and those that must be submitted
to Congress; and bringing the discussion back, time and again, to
the three points absolutely necessary to secure peace-- Union,
freedom for the slaves, and complete disbandment of the
Confederate armies. He had gone to offer them, honestly and
frankly, the best terms in his power, but not to give up one atom
of official dignity or duty. Their main thought, on the contrary,
had been to postpone or to escape the express conditions on which
they were admitted to the conference.
They returned to Richmond and reported the failure of their
efforts to Jefferson Davis, whose disappointment equalled their
own, for all had caught eagerly at the hope that this interview
would somehow prove a means of escape from the dangers of their
situation. President Lincoln, full of kindly thoughts, on the
other hand, went back to Washington, intent on making yet one
more generous offer to hasten the day of peace. He had told the
commissioners that personally he would be in favor of the
government paying a liberal amount for the loss of slave
property, on condition that the southern States agree of their
own accord to the freedom of the slaves.
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