Two weeks later Schleiden sent home a further analysis of Lincoln: "He makes the impression of a natural man of clear and healthy mind, great good-naturedness and best intentions.

He seems to be fully conscious of the great responsibility which rests upon him.

But at the same time it appears as if he had lost some of his famous firmness and resoluteness through the novelty of the conditions which surround him and the hourly renewed attempts from various sides to gain influence over him.

He is therefore at present inclined to concede double weight to the superior political experience of his Secretary of State[200]." This was written on March 4, and the situation was correctly described.
Seward led for the moment, but his supremacy was not unchallenged and soon a decision was called for that in its final solution was to completely overthrow his already matured policy towards the seceding States.

Buchanan had been pressed by South Carolina to yield possession of federal property in that State and especially to withdraw Federal troops from Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbour.