His declaration as to the status of the States that had been in rebellion was not far away from the policy that was adopted finally, but he did not accept as wise and necessary measures the amendments to the Constitution which were designed to make that policy permanent.
Boutwell reflects on the complexities of post-Civil War policies regarding rebellious states and constitutional amendments.
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He possessed wit, sarcasm and irony in every form.
I would respect the rights of all nations, demanding equal respect for our own.
In the dark days of 1862 he had never despaired of the Republic, when others faltered, he was undismayed.
He was so great that it was not a humiliation to acknowledge a change in opinion, or to admit an error in policy or purpose.
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