When Wood come up with a meeting out-of Peace Democrats when you look at the Syracuse for the is actually greeting because the a main speaker. Wood utilized the fulfilling to authorize their divisive and you may anti-war conclusion after on the few days on Democratic National Discussion in the il. Considering historian Ernest An excellent. McKay, “Fernando Wood, always walking a fine line ranging from commitment and you can treason, meant to make themselves read from the state and you can federal conventions as the chief of your tranquility dudes.” 51
He or she is beginning to double
Presidential assistant John Hay reported: “Fernando Timber considered [President Lincoln] on a single event he you may do-nothing way more politic than simply to bring Val. back: if that’s the case he might guarantee your a few popular candidates getting Chairman this present year. ‘These types of conflict navigera till webbplatsen democrats’ told you F.W. ‘Try scoundrelly hypocrites: they want to oppose your & choose the war at the same time that’s junk. You will find but a couple of corners within this struggle: your personal and you may exploit – battle & tranquility. You’ll succeed just like the war lasts, I assume, however, we will make it if the combat is more than. I plan to continue my personal number obvious for the future.” 52
Even after their governmental opposition into Lincoln Administration, Congressman Timber try a normal guest on the White Household – as well repeated on view of Chairman Lincoln. Presidential guide John G. Nicolay appreciated particular mid-December 1863 check outs by wood:
“This morning early Edward arrived to the fresh President’s place of work and launched one Mr. [Fernando] Timber try here to see your. ‘I am sorry he is here,’ said brand new Chairman. ‘I would personally as an alternative the guy ought not to come about here really. Share with Mr. Wood that we have absolutely nothing as yet to inform your, about the subject we conversed about as he is last here.’ Edward sought out to transmit their message.
“‘I could inform you exactly what Timber (F.) Desires,’ told you brand new President in my experience. ‘The guy arrived here eventually a week ago so you’re able to desire us to upload a world amnesty on north sympathizers and abettors of your rebellion, that will is Vallandigham, and permit him to go back; and you will assured whenever I might get it done, they would possess several Democratic individuals on earth during the 2nd Presidential election.” 53
Provided he behaves themselves decently he could be while the effectually within the disguise because the a beneficial slovenly guy just who visited good masquerade party having a flush deal with
With the January 30, 1864, Wood offered a party one to received the eye out-of two of Mr. Lincoln’s personnel. William O. Stoddard filed an excellent dispatch in order to his Ny paper: “Mr. Fernando Wood, of the latest-York, gave a grand group the other night, which, to your wonder of some, is mostly went to by Republicans and you will Abolitionists really super stripe. It would was basically comedy for rad in the newest parlors the new brands ones traffic who have, at sundry times and you will metropolises, stated on their own in support of dangling since the a felon it slightly better machine of night.” 54 John Hay submitted within his journal: “Neighborhood flourishes – I did not beginning to number the newest functions toward the my fingers. Phernanndiwud
Wood leftover right up their agitation to fill brand new vacuum cleaner hence Vallandigham’s exile exhibited. On ento magazine: “Fernando Timber cannot instance Vallandigham; each contra, Val cannot particularly Fernando – the reason for such as mutual insufficient affection becoming, I suppose, you to a couple of a trade cannot concur. Immediately following the brand new get back of Vallandigham out-of expatriation Wood sought an interviews towards the Chairman, and then he said: ‘I Serenity Democrats are the simply Democrats; others are impostors and bastards; there’s absolutely no such as for example matter since the a battle Democrat, regarding are a contradiction out of terms. We do not expect, Mr. Chairman, to choose all of our candidate which Fall; people of North are not in a position for tranquility yet; but comfort need certainly to become at some point, of course, if it can new Democratic group may be the class that’ll work and you may absorb for the prominent party throughout the Southern, and so we’re going to once again keeps all of our rightful ascendancy. today, Mr. President, you simply cannot pick fault with that; it is not likely to hurt your one.’ This new Chairman conceded he is disposed become nice, and you may asked in the event that Vallandigham’s reported go back is actually one part of this plan. Wood answered that it was not, and you will additional: ‘You may not trust in me, but We to make certain your that i never ever understood otherwise expected one he’d come back, even if We acknowledge which i have had a letter out-of your as the guy got in. But We tell you in all honesty, Mr. President, that it’ll perhaps not do in order to build a great . He’s had way more notoriety currently than just the guy is worth, and that i alert your the genuine policy would be the fact he feel honestly let-alone.’ To that new Chairman replied: ‘Really don’t believe that Vallandigham has returned; We never ever normally believe it, and i never shall accept it up to the guy pushes himself offensively abreast of the public appeal and on my attention; up coming we shall suffer from him. ” 57