Lincoln's evident motive was to place beyond the calculation, or even the hope of the disloyal States the possibility of ever again having sufficient political power to compete in the Senate for the mastery of the Republic.
Blaine interprets Lincoln's strategy as a means to prevent Southern states from regaining political power in the Senate post-war.
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The Northern people shrank from the responsibility of transferring the government of States to the control of men who had already shown themselves capable of desperate deeds.
With whatever strength or prestige the President left Washington, he certainly returned to the Capital personally discredited and politically ruined.
The wonder excited by the raising of the vast army which saved the Union from destruction was even surpassed by the wonder excited by its prompt and peaceful dissolution.
Their success as civil magistrates, as legislators, as executives was not less marked and meritorious than their illustrious service in war.
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