It was a difficult balancing act for Mr. Lincoln because he could neither afford to appear to be seeking accommodation with the Confederate government nor appear to be spurning an accommodation with the Confederate government.
It was in his interest to let peace missions go forward without his official blessing. It was also his interest for their failure subsequently to receive public notice and affirmation. The first active peace commission involving President Lincoln was floated in May New York journalist and businessman James R.
Gilmore spent two weeks with General William S. Rosecrans and the Army of Tennessee. It explains itself. I have to be at the front all day, and I wish you would stay and see him. If you think well of it, I will telegraph the Department for the furlough. The colonel was a prominent member of the Western Methodist Church, and, though a clergyman, is one of my best and bravest officers. You will be glad of his acquaintance. James Jaquess, who gave him a copy of his furlough request, which stated in part:.
A considerable part of the territory occupied by the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, is now in possession of our armies.
From these considerations…I would submit to the proper authorities the following proposition, viz: To go into the Southern Confederacy, and return within ninety days with proposal of peace that will be acceptable to our Government. Preacher Jaquess, who had known Mr. Will you authorize me to send him to Washington for that purpose. Jaques [sic] not to come here. Present my respects to him, and ask him to write me fully on the subject he has in contemplation. These two purposes so seemingly in conflict, and yet so fully in accord, are seen at every stage of these proceedings.
