Indeed, such was the power of his memory, that he seemed never to forget the most minute circumstance.
The conversation soon turned on the events of Sherman's campaign through the South, with every movement of which the President seemed familiar.
He laughed over some of the stories Sherman told of his "bummers," and told others in return, which illustrated in a striking manner the ideas he wanted to convey.

For example, he would often express his wishes by telling an apt story, which was quite a habit with him, and one that I think he adopted to prevent his committing himself seriously.
The interview between the two generals and the President lasted about an hour and a half, and, as it was a remarkable one, I jotted down what I remembered of the conversation, as I have made a practice of doing during the rebellion, when any thing interesting occurred.
I don't regret having done so, as circumstances afterward occurred (Stanton's ill conduct toward Sherman) which tended to cast odium on General Sherman for allowing such liberal terms to Jos.
Johnston.
Could the conversation that occurred on board the Queen, between the President and General Sherman, have been known, Sherman would not, and could not, have been censored.

Mr.Lincoln, had he lived, would have acquitted the general of any blame, for he was only carrying out the President's wishes.
My opinion is, that Mr.Lincoln came down to City Point with the most liberal views toward the rebels.

He felt confident that we would be successful, and was willing that the enemy should capitulate on the most favorable terms.
I don't know what the President would have done had he been left to himself, and had our army been unsuccessful, but he was than wrought up to a high state of excitement.

He wanted peace on almost any terms, and there is no knowing what proposals he might have been willing to listen to.