Question

How did Lincoln respond to the rumor that peace commissioners were in the city of Washington?

Answer 1

Lincoln did not favor compromise that would change his position on slavery and urged lawmakers not to support the Crittenden Compromise, emphasizing the importance of upholding the Union's principles.

Step-by-step explanation:

When President Abraham Lincoln learned that peace commissioners may have been in the city of Washington, he remained committed to the Union's stance on slavery and avoided making controversial statements.

Essentially, he did not oppose compromise with the seceding states, but he was unwilling to change his position on slavery in the territories.

The Crittenden Compromise was one such proposal that aimed to extend the Missouri Compromise line to the Pacific; however, Lincoln encouraged Republican legislators not to support this measure.

In an emblematic response to Congressman Nathan T. Hale, Lincoln expressed the importance of maintaining the principles upon which his election victory was achieved, stating, "We have just carried an election on principles fairly stated to the people.

Now we are told in advance, the government shall be broken up, unless we surrender to those we have beaten...if we surrender, it is the end of us, and of the government."

This response encapsulated Lincoln's firm stance against disunion and his commitment to upholding the Union's precepts that had won public endorsement through the election.

Answer 2

Abraham Lincoln cautiously handled rumors of peace commissioners, remaining steadfast against the Crittenden Compromise as it contravened his electoral principles and he believed it would result in the dissolution of the United States if he were to surrender.

Step-by-step explanation:

When Abraham Lincoln learned about potential peace commissioners in the city of Washington, he approached the situation with caution, reflecting his reputation "as a commonplace prairie lawyer."

He was in a challenging position; on one hand, he desired to avoid any controversial statements that might escalate tensions, and on the other, he needed to uphold his electoral principles.

Lincoln's response to the Crittenden Compromise, which aimed to extend the Missouri Compromise line to the Pacific, was to advisedly not support it as it went against the principles on which he was elected.

His stance was clear: he would not allow the government to be broken up as a result of surrendering to those who were defeated in the elections. This illustrated his commitment to the Union and his consistent principle regarding the non-extension of slavery.

In a letter to Congressman Nathan T. Hale, Lincoln stated, "We have just carried an election on principles fairly stated to the people. Now we are told in advance, the government shall be broken up, unless we surrender to those we have beaten.. if we surrender, it is the end of us, and of the government."