Mr. Lee

[J. Beckert]

That may be Linda, but what I find most telling are Lincoln's remarks - 'Why,' said he, 'has it leaked out? I was in hopes nothing would be said about that, lest some oversensitive people should imagine there was a degree of levity in the intercourse between us.'

I think there's more levity in Lincoln's statement to Stephens than actually taking the reins, preparing the slaves for freedom and giving them a hand by affording them a very basic education. I don't see that in any of Lincoln's plans.

As stated earlier, the rabid fervor to get this done is in stark contrast to Lee's ideas - the ideas of a man who knew the inner workings of slavery better than any Northern Abolitionist. He said it was a great evil and knew the end was coming. Having a well prepared plan always beats an emotional "I want it now" demand.