Is it consistent with reason and our knowledge of human nature, to believe the masses of Southern men able to face about, to turn their backs on those they have trusted and followed, and to adopt the lead of those who have no magnetic hold on their hearts or minds?
It would be idle to reorganize by the colored vote.

If the popular vote of the white race is not to be had in favor of the guarantees justly required, then I am in favor of holding on--just where we are now.

I am not in favor of a surrender of the present rights of the Union to a struggle between a white minority aided by the freedmen on one hand, against the majority of the white race on the other.

I would not consent, having rescued those states by arms from Secession and rebellion, to turn them over to anarchy and chaos." The Southerners, Unionists as well as Confederates, had their views as well, but at Washington these carried little influence.

The former Confederates would naturally favor the plan which promised best for the white South, and their views were most nearly met by those of President Lincoln.