His constitutional powers were limited.

But he was in himself the embodiment of great moral power.
The story that he offered payment for the slaves--so often affirmed and denied--is in either case but a quibble with the actual facts.

He could not have made such an offer except tentatively, lacking the means to carry it out.

He was not given the opportunity to make it, because the Confederate Commissioners were under instructions to treat solely on the basis of the recognition of the independence of the Confederacy.

The conference came to nought.