Page:History of Iowa From the Earliest Times to the Beginning of the Twentieth Century Volume 2.djvu/168

 Several other resolutions were passed denouncing in bitter terms most of the war measures of the Administration, as usurpations, not warranted by the Constitution. General George B. McClellan was nominated for President and George H. Pendleton for Vice-President.

When the issue was thus squarely made between a vigorous prosecution of the war for the preservation of the Union and a cessation of hostilities for the purpose of attempting a compromise with the Southern Confederacy, the loyal people of the country realized the fearful danger that confronted the Nation. Two attempting a compromise with the Southern Confederacy, the loyal people of the country realized the fearful danger that confronted the Nation. Two attempts had recently been made to ascertain if it were possible to effect any kind of settlement between the Government and the leaders of the Rebellion, by which peace could be made by prominent leaders of the Rebellion who asked leave to come to Washington and enter upon negotiations and to be assured of safety on their journey. President Lincoln made them the following reply:

“Any proposition which embraces the restoration of peace, the integrity of the whole Union, and the abandonment of slavery, and which comes by and with authority that can control the armies now at war against the United States, and will be met by liberal terms on substantial and collateral points; and the bearer or bearers thereof shall have safe conduct both ways.

Nothing more came of this attempt at negotiation, which was begun early in July, 1864. Very soon after, two prominent citizens of the North, with the knowledge of the President, but not by any direct authority from him, went to Richmond on a peace errand, being allowed to pass through the lines of both armies. They had a long personal conference with President Davis, after which he presented his ultimatum in the following terms:

“I desire peace as much as you do, but I feel that not one drop of blood of this war is on my hands. I tried all in my power to avert this war, but