President Lincoln (at times) said he felt sure his life would end with
the War. A correspondent of a Boston paper had an interview with him in
July, 1864, and wrote regarding it:
“The President told me he was certain he should not outlast the
rebellion. As will be remembered, there was dissension then among the
Republican leaders. Many of his best friends had deserted him, and were
talking of an opposition convention to nominate another candidate, and
universal gloom was among the people.
“The North was tired of the War, and supposed an honorable peace
attainable. Mr. Lincoln knew it was not--that any peace at that time
would be only disunion. Speaking of it, he said: ‘I have faith in the
people. They will not consent to disunion. The danger is, they are
misled. Let them know the truth, and the country is safe.’
“He looked haggard and careworn; and further on in the interview I
remarked on his appearance, ‘You are wearing yourself out with work.’
“‘I can’t work less,’ he answered; ‘but it isn’t that--work never
troubled me. Things look badly, and I can’t avoid anxiety. Personally, I
care nothing about a re-election, but if our divisions defeat us, I fear
for the country.’
“When I suggested that right must eventually triumph, he replied, ‘I
grant that, but I may never live to see it. I feel a presentiment that I
shall not outlast the rebellion. When it is over, my work will be done.’
“He never intimated, however, that he expected to be assassinated.”