Pierrepont, Edwards, 1817-1892 to William Evarts
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05603.01.02 Author/Creator: Pierrepont, Edwards, 1817-1892 Place Written: Washington, District of Columbia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 22 March 1864 Pagination: 4 p. : Height: 25.6 cm, Width: 20 cm Order a Copy
Recounts a private conversation with the Secretary of State William H. Seward. Discusses presidential politics. Reports that Salmon P. Chase has withdrawn from the election. Remarks, "Mr. Lincoln has the people; there is no doubt of this; but he has not the upper classes nor the Politicians ... The Copperheads are all for McClellan. The radicals and Germans for Fremont. The Common Man for Lincoln ... " Mentions the ongoing Civil War, "Grant [General Ulysses S.] comes here today and leads the Army of the Potomac. We have every confidence that Lee must be destroyed ... We expect bloody and desperate battles." Believes that if Grant defeats Confederate General Robert E. Lee, Grant will be the next president. Expresses his views on Lincoln, "I shall be much surprised if Mr. Lincoln is the next President. It cannot be. A leader must be needed. He is no leader - that, all concede." Thinks that Grant has a better chance than Lincoln depending on the outcome of upcoming battles. States that the country will be ready to go to war with England and France if provoked. Remarks, "England ought to know that we are far more ready to go to war now than before the Rebelion ... " Believes that the United States could attack England's commerce.
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