“When I arrived at Washington it was early in the morning. I directed my steps toward the Executive Mansion. On arriving at the door the usher recognized me, but said that the President had not been to breakfast.
“'I said: 'I do not wish to disturb him, but it is very important that I see him before a crowd comes in. I will remain here.'
“He stepped in and very soon returned, and at once showed me to the President's office up-stairs. He was waiting for me, and as I entered he came forward with both hands extended, and said, 'My dear friend Lyon, how are you?'
“I answered him as to my health in a sad tone. He spoke of my great afflictions in the most tender manner, and inquired as to the telegram.
“'I said: 'Mr. President, this paper,' handing him Henry's report, 'will explain it.'
“He said: 'This is a long paper—as long as a President's message,' and laughed, saying, 'I expect you have been writing one for me?'
“'I replied that it was an important message for a President. At this he laughed, and said:
“'That is quite good, and is a very wise distinction; but,' said he, 'we will not read it now. When we get our breakfast, that will do, will it not?'
“I replied: 'Yes, perhaps it will.'
“He would have me take breakfast with him. His family only were present, and we all conversed freely, but principally about the late election and our success in the West against Head, and the prospects of Silent against Laws. He was feeling very happy and confident of final victory. He told me about having just returned with the Secretary of State from Hampton Roads, where they had met the Vice-President of the Southern Confederacy and others on a peace mission; 'but,' said he, 'it was the same kind of peace that the Copperheads have been preaching, under instructions from Richmond and the rebel agents in Canada, for three years.'