32 - To Charles D. Robinson

Summary

During the run-up to the 1864 election the Wisconsin editor and War Democrat (as distinguished from Peace Democrat or Copperhead) Charles D. Robinson wrote to Lincoln to take issue with the president’s statement that he would entertain any sincere Confederate peace proposal that included “the restoration of the peace, the integrity of the whole Union, and the abandonment of slavery.” If the third of these was indeed the president’s position, Robinson wrote, he and his fellow War Democrats would not support Lincoln’s reelection. Lincoln penned the following reply to Robinson, which apparently was not sent.

1. Hon. Charles D. Robinson

2. Executive Mansion,

3. Washington,

4. August 17, 1864

My Dear Sir:

Your letter of the 7th was placed in my hand yesterday by Gov[ernor] Randall.

To me it seems plain that saying re-union and abandonment of slavery would be considered, if offered, is not saying that nothing else or less would be considered, if offered. But I will not stand upon the mere construction of language. It is true, as you remind me, that in the Greeley letter of 1862, I said: “If I could save the Union without freeing any slave I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing all the slaves I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing some, and leaving others alone I would also do that.” I continued in the same letter as follows: “What I do about slavery and the colored race, I do because I believe it helps to save the Union; and what I forbear I forbear because I do not believe it would help to save the union. I shall do less whenever I shall believe what I am doing hurts the cause; and I shall do more whenever I shall believe doing more will help the cause.” All this I said in the utmost sincerity; and I am as true to the whole of it now, as when I first said it. . .