being. The next day
Mr. Greeley replied by repeating reproaches over what he called
the "rude repulse" of Stephens, saying he thought the negotiators
would not "open their budgets"; referring to the importance of
doing something to aid the elections, and indicating that he might
try to get a look into the hand of the Niagara parties. Again, on
the 13th, he wrote Mr. Lincoln he had reliable information that
Clement C. Clay of Alabama and Jacob Thompson of Mississippi were
at Niagara Falls duly empowered to negotiate for peace, adding that
he knew nothing as to terms, and saying that it was high time the
slaughter was ended. The President, still without the slightest
faith in Greeley or his Canada negotiators, but stung with the
unjust assumption that he was averse to peace, wired Mr. Greeley,
on the 15th:

"I was not expecting you to send me a letter, but to bring me a
man or men," and saying a messenger with a letter was on the way
to him.

The letter of Mr. Lincoln was brief, but met the case:

"Yours of the 13th is just received, and I am disappointed that
you have not already reached here with those commissioners, if they
would consent to come, on being shown my letter to you of the 9th
inst. Show that and this to them, and if they will come on the
terms in the former, bring them. I not only intend a sincere effort
for peace, but I intend you shall be a personal witness that it is
made."

Mr. Greeley, on this letter being placed in his hands, expressed
much embarrassment, but decided to go in search of the Canada
parties provided he had a safe conduct for C. C. Clay, Jacob
Thompson, James P. Holcombe, and George N. Sanders to Washington,
in company with himself. The safe conduct was obtained through
John Hay, the messenger. On Mr. Greeley's arrival at Niagara he
fell into the hands of "Colorado Jewett," his vainglorious
correspondent, and through him addressed Clay, Thompson, and Holcombe
this letter:

"I understand you are duly accredited from Richmond as the bearers
of propositions looking to the establishment of peace; that you
desire to visit Washington in fulfilment of your mission; and that
you further desire that George N. Sanders shall accompany you. If
my information be thus far substantially correct, I am authorized
by the President of the United States to tender you his safe conduct
on the journey proposed, and to accompany you at the earliest time
that will be agreeable to you."

Mr. G