"But you cannot expect," Gilmore said, "with only four and one half millions to hold out forever against twenty?"
Mr. Davis smiled:
"Do you think there are twenty millions at the North determined to crush us? I do not so read the returns of your elections or the temper of your people."
"If I understand you, then," Jaquess continued, "the dispute with your government is narrowed to this, union or disunion?"
"Or, in other words, independence or subjugation. We will be free. We will govern ourselves. We will do it if we have to see every Southern plantation sacked and every Southern city in flames."
The visitors rose, and after a few pleasant remarks, took their leave. Mr. Davis was particularly cordial to Colonel Jaquess, whom he knew to have been a clergyman.
John was surprised to see him repeat the habit of Abraham Lincoln, of taking the hand of his visitor in both his in exactly the same cordial way.
He had forgotten for the moment that both Lincoln and Davis were Southerners, born in the same State and reared in precisely the same school of thought and social usage.
"Colonel," the thin Southerner said in his musical voice, "I respect your character and your motives and I wish you well—every good wish possible consistent with the interests of the Confederacy."
As they were passing through the door, he added: