Much is being said about peace; and no man desires peace more ardently than I. Still I am yet unprepared to give up the Union fora peace which, so achieved, could not be of much duration.
Now, and ever, I shall do all in my power for peace, consistently with the maintenance of government.
Legislation and adjudication must follow, and conform to, the progress of society.
The power of hope upon human exertion, and happiness, is wonderful.
Doubtless you begin to understand how disagreeable it is to me to do a thing arbitrarily, when it is unsatisfactory to others associated with me.
But fight we must; and conquer we shall; in the end.
If I had my way, this war would never have been commenced. If I had been allowed my way this war would have been ended before this.
I am not a very sentimental man; and the best sentiment I can think of is, that if you collect the signatures of all persons who are no less distinguished than I, you will have a very undistinguishing mass of names.
The case of Andrews is really a very bad one, as appears by the record already before me. Yet before receiving this I had orderedhis punishment commuted to imprisonmentand had so telegraphed. I did this, not on any merit in the case, but because I am trying to evade the butchering business lately.
I was elected a Captain of Volunteers – a success which gave me more pleasure than any I have had since.
I have no wealthy or popular relations to recommend me.
Our eldest boy, Bob, has been away from us nearly a year at school, and will enter Harvard University this month. He promises verywell, considering we never controlled him much.
As to the whiskers, having never worn any, do you not think people would call it a piece of silly affectation if I were to begin it now?
Gen. Schurz thinks I was a little cross in my late note to you. If I was, I ask pardon. If I do get up a little temper I have no sufficient time to keep it up.
Allow me to assure you, that suspicion and jealousy never did help any man in any situation.
I was raised to farm work.
I find quite as much material for a lecture in those points wherein I have failed, as in those wherein I have been moderately successful.
You already know I desire that neither Father or Mother shall be in want of any comfort either in health or sickness while they live.
It may be affirmed, without extravagance, that the free institutions we enjoy, have developed the powers, and improved the condition, of our whole people, beyond any example in the world.
The matter of fees is important, far beyond the mere question of bread and butter involved. Properly attended to, fuller justice is done to both lawyer and client.