We are now on the brink of destruction. It appears to me that the Almighty is against us.”14 But the president pulled himself together and handled the affair in a manner that ultimately strengthened his leadership. On December 19 he met with a delegation of Republican senators and listened to speeches “attributing to Mr. Seward a lukewarmness in the conduct of the war.” Seward had already offered to resign, but Lincoln did not reveal this. Instead he invited the delegation back next day, when they were surprised to find the whole cabinet (except Seward) on hand.
