Lincoln's loss in 1864

[Rob Wick]

I came across the letter that in 1864 Lincoln had his cabinet sign sight unseen concerning what would happen if he lost the election of 1864. To refresh your memory, here it is:

This morning, as for some days past, it seems exceedingly probable that this Administration will not be re-elected. Then it will be my duty to so cooperate with the Government President elect, as to save the Union between the Election and the inauguration; as he will have secured his election on such ground that he cannot possibly save it afterwards.

So let's pretend. It's 1864 and the Siege of Atlanta is dragging into its fourth month. Casualties are mounting and the Confederacy shows no signs of capitulating. Finally, in late September, the siege is broken, but at a high cost of human lives. Although it was close, Lincoln loses to George B. McClellan, thanks, in large part, to the soldiers who are growing tired of the battle.

So what could Lincoln have done from November to March that would allowed him to save the Union? Is he being almost nihilistic here, in that Congress would be focusing on how to either work with McClellan or stymie his policies and not really paying attention to Lincoln (in my opinion, anyway)? Would the military have fought any harder for a lame-duck Lincoln while waiting for the man who built the Army of the Potomac to take it over again?

I realize much, if not all, of this requires speculation. However, I think it's an interesting subject that can be answered, if only somewhat. I will wait for other people to chime in before giving my own opinion.

Best
Rob