Whenever Wood assembled a discussion off Comfort Democrats into the Syracuse inside the are allowed due to the fact a main presenter. Wood used the meeting in order to authorize their divisive and anti-combat choices later about day from the Democratic National Discussion into the Chi town. Centered on historian Ernest Good. McKay, “Fernando Timber, usually walking a fine line ranging from support and treason, designed to generate himself read in the condition and federal conventions because commander of the peace guys.” 51
He’s begin to double up
Presidential secretary John Existe advertised: “Fernando Timber believed to [Chairman Lincoln] on one celebration that he you may do-nothing so much more politic than just to create Val. back: therefore he could promise your one or two popular candidates to own Chairman this season. ‘These types of battle democrats’ told you F.W. ‘Try scoundrelly hypocrites: they want to contradict your & prefer the war at the same time that’s rubbish. You will find but a few sides within this challenge: your very own and you will mine – war & peace. You’ll create due to the fact war continues, I assume, however, we are going to ensure it is in the event the conflict is over. I decide to continue my personal number clear for the future.” 52
Despite his political resistance for the Lincoln Management, Congressman Timber is actually a frequent visitor towards Light Home – also frequent regarding look at President Lincoln. Presidential aide John Grams. Nicolay recalled specific middle-December 1863 check outs by-wood:
“Yesterday early Edward came into the latest President’s workplace and you can established you to Mr. [Fernando] Wood are here observe your. ‘I’m sorry they are here,’ said the newest Chairman. ‘I would personally alternatively the guy ought not to come about here really. Give Mr. Timber that we have nothing as yet to inform him, about the subject we conversed about as he was last right here.’ Edward sought out to deliver their content.
“‘I can show just what Wood (F.) Desires,’ told you the brand new President in my opinion. ‘The guy came right here one day the other day to urge me to publish a world amnesty with the north sympathizers and abettors of your rebellion, which would is Vallandigham, and permit your to return; and you may guaranteed when I might get it done, they might features a few Democratic individuals in the arena during the second Presidential election.” 53
Provided the guy acts himself decently they are just like the effectually into the disguise since a slovenly guy who went along to a beneficial masquerade class which have a clean deal with
Into the January 29, 1864, Wood offered a celebration you to definitely received the interest away from two of Mr. Lincoln’s personnel. William O. Stoddard recorded a good dispatch to help you their Nyc newsprint: “Mr. Fernando Wood, of new-York, offered Latinas heta kvinnor a huge people the other nights, which, for the surprise of a few, was mostly went to by the Republicans and you may Abolitionists of the very most super stripe. It might had been funny to own rad call at the new parlors the fresh brands of these visitors that have, during the sundry minutes and you can towns and cities, announced themselves in favor of hanging just like the an effective felon that it somewhat superior machine of one’s evening.” 54 John Hay recorded within his log: “People flourishes – I would not beginning to matter brand new functions towards the my fingertips. Phernanndiwud
Wood remaining right up his anxiety so you can complete the latest cleaner and this Vallandigham’s exile demonstrated. With the ento newspaper: “Fernando Timber will not such as Vallandigham; for each contra, Val will not like Fernando – the explanation for such as for instance common insufficient passion are, I guess, you to a couple of a swap can’t ever concur. Just after this new go back regarding Vallandigham away from expatriation Wood desired an enthusiastic interview to the President, in which he said: ‘We Serenity Democrats would be the merely Democrats; others was impostors and you may bastards; there’s absolutely no such as question as the a conflict Democrat, for the are a paradox away from terms. Do not expect, Mr. President, in order to elect our very own candidate which Slide; the people of Northern aren’t in a position to own tranquility yet; however, serenity have to started in the course of time, whenever it can the Democratic team will be the team that’ll act and you can assimilate with the dominant cluster regarding the South, and so we are going to once again enjoys our very own rightful ascendancy. today, Mr. Chairman, you simply can’t see fault thereupon; it is not going to hurt your one.’ The fresh President conceded which he are disposed to-be reasonable, and you may questioned when the Vallandigham’s said return was one part of so it plan. Timber replied it absolutely was maybe not, and you may added: ‘You might not trust in me, but I assure you that we never know or questioned that he would return, even if We acknowledge that we have acquired a letter out of him as he returned. However, I reveal in all honesty, Mr. Chairman, that it will maybe not do in order to create a beneficial . He has got significantly more notoriety currently than simply the guy may be worth, and that i alert your the correct plan would be the fact he be really let alone.’ To that particular the newest Chairman replied: ‘I really don’t accept that Vallandigham has returned; We never can also be believe it, and i never shall believe it up until he forces himself offensively through to the general public appeal and up on my focus; following we are going to have to deal with your. ” 57