Anxious Quote by Horace Porter
“Grant began by expressing a hope that the war would soon be over, and Lee replied by stating that he had for some time been anxious to stop the further effusion of blood, and he trusted that everything would now be done to restore harmony and conciliate the people of the South. He said the emancipation of the Negroes would be no hindrance to the restoring of relations between the two sections of the country, as it would probably not be the desire of the majority of the Southern people to restore slavery then, even if the question were left open to them.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Civil War correspondence, 1865
Porter expresses hope for peace, noting Lee’s desire to end bloodshed and restore harmony, while asserting emancipation won’t impede reconciliation.
In simple terms: Hope for peace and reconciliation despite war.
Key Takeaway
Seek reconciliation while embracing emancipation.
Themes
peace
reconciliation
war
emancipation
social change
Mood
reflective
optimistic
Type
historical
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political negotiations
- community healing
- policy making
- public discourse
Key Concepts
civil war
post‑war reconstruction
racial equality
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies reconcile after civil conflict?
- What role does emancipation play in lasting peace?
A Different Perspective
Emancipation may face resistance from entrenched interests.
