At the celebrated Peace Conference, whereat there was much “pow-wow”
and no result, President Lincoln, in response to certain remarks by the
Confederate commissioners, commented with some severity upon the conduct
of the Confederate leaders, saying they had plainly forfeited all right
to immunity from punishment for their treason.
Being positive and unequivocal in stating his views concerning
individual treason, his words were of ominous import. There was a pause,
during which Commissioner Hunter regarded the speaker with a steady,
searching look. At length, carefully measuring his words, Mr. Hunter
said:
“Then, Mr. President, if we understand you correctly, you think that
we of the Confederacy have committed treason; are traitors to your
Government; have forfeited our rights, and are proper subjects for the
hangman. Is not that about what your words imply?”
“Yes,” replied President Lincoln, “you have stated the proposition
better than I did. That is about the size of it!”
Another pause, and a painful one succeeded, and then Hunter, with a
pleasant smile remarked:
“Well, Mr. Lincoln, we have about concluded that we shall not be hanged
as long as you are President--if we behave ourselves.”
And Hunter meant what he said.
“SMELT NO ROYALTY IN OUR CARRIAGE.”
On one occasion, in going to meet an appointment in the southern part of
the Sucker State--that section of Illinois called Egypt--Lincoln, with
other friends, was traveling in the “caboose” of a freight train, when
the freight was switched off the main track to allow a special train to
pass.
Lincoln’s more aristocratic rival (Stephen A. Douglas) was being
conveyed to the same town in this special. The passing train was
decorated with banners and flags, and carried a band of music, which was
playing “Hail to the Chief.”
As the train whistled past, Lincoln broke out in a fit of laughter, and
said: “Boys, the gentleman in that car evidently smelt no royalty in our
carriage.”