But
unfortunately the possibility is not excluded that it may
have been merely a blank."
The first paragraph of this quotation reports Seward's opinion; the
second is apparently Schleiden's own estimate. Two weeks later Schleiden
sent home a further analysis of Lincoln:
"He makes the impression of a natural man of clear and
healthy mind, great good-naturedness and best intentions. He
seems to be fully conscious of the great responsibility which
rests upon him. But at the same time it appears as if he had
lost some of his famous firmness and resoluteness through the
novelty of the conditions which surround him and the hourly
renewed attempts from various sides to gain influence over
him. He is therefore at present inclined to concede double
weight to the superior political experience of his Secretary
of State[200]."
This was written on March 4, and the situation was correctly described.
Seward led for the moment, but his supremacy was not unchallenged and
soon a decision was called for that in its final solution was to
completely overthrow his already matured policy towards the seceding
States. Buchanan had been pressed by South Carolina to yield possession
of federal property in that State and especially to withdraw Federal
troops from Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbour.
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