Page:Behind the scenes, or, Thirty years a slave and four years in the White House.djvu/150

148 "I think that Mr. Lincoln will remain in the White. House four years longer," I replied, looking up from my work.

"What makes you think so? Somehow I have learned to fear that he will be defeated." "Because he has been tried, and has proved faithful to the best interests of the country. The people of the North recognize in him an honest man, and they are willing to confide in him, at least until the war has been brought to a close. The Southern people made his election a pretext for rebellion, and now to replace him by some one else, after years of sanguinary war, would look too much like a surrender of the North. So, Mr. Lincoln is certain to be re-elected. He represents a principle, and to maintain this principle the loyal people of the loyal States will vote for him, even if he had no merits to commend him."

"Your view is a plausible one, Lizabeth, and your confidence gives me new hope. If he