Annotation
[1] ADfS, DLC-RTL. Following his interview with Lincoln on February 1, Reverend Henry Ward Beecher wrote on February 4:
``The interview and information which you gave me, not only relieved me then, but has, ever since, given me great faith. Even your unexpected visit to Ft Munroe did not stagger me. It has been much criticized. The pride of the nation, is liable to be hurt. Anything that looks like the humiliation of our Government, would be bitterly felt.
``But, I do not criticize it. Knowing the ground on which you stand, and the bases of any negotiation, I am more than willing that, as you will sacrifice no substantial element you should wave any mere formality So that the inside of the hand is solid bone, I am willing to have the outside flesh soft as velvet.
``And I clearly perceive that, whether you gain any point with the south or not, the very extraordinary step, of the Head of a nation, leaving the Capital, and going to the rebels, is an act of condescension which will stop the mouths of Northern enemies.
``No man on earth, was ever before so impregnably placed, as you are. Look at the facts.
``1. The south is exhausted and defeated. The military result is sure.
``2. Every step which you have, one by one taken, toward emancipation & national liberty is now confirmed beyond all change.
``3. You have brought the most dangerous and extraordinary rebellion in history, not only to a successful end, but, have done it without sacrificing republican government even in its forms. It is wonderful, and a sign of Divine help, that democratic institution & feelings, are stronger today---after four years of War, and military administration as enlarged as when all Europe was one camp,---than when you began.
``The north is renovated. Heresy is purged out. Treason is wounded to the death. Our Constitution has felt the hand of God laid upon it, as He said, `Be thou clean' & the leprosy is departed You have now done all that your enemies, even, could ask to shew your desire for peace, & more than many of your friends would wish. Your position is eminent & impregnable. I am only anxious that you should not lose that place. I do not believe that you will. But it is more dangerous to make peace than to make war.
``Why then do I write to you?
``1. Because, it seemed to me, that a man in public office, seeing chiefly political & official people, might be cheered to hear from a private citizen. . . .
``2. Because, I wish to suggest, that, these rumors of peace, and this feverish suspense about commissioners & negotiations, is injurious, in so far as replenishing the army is concerned. . . .
``Would it not be well if the country could be told, deffinitely how the case stands? An address to the army, or to the nation, declaring that peace can come only by arms, if in your judgement the fact is so, would end these feverish uncertainties & give the spring campaign renewed vigor.
``My dear Mr Lincoln, I have written to you, as a friend to a friend. I am