[4CJ]

Because there was nothing to negotiate. Lincoln had the choice to accept the southern ultimatum or not. He chose not to.

Cry me a river. If Confederates had captured Ms. Lincoln and held her hostage ... never mind, forget that one, if Confederates had capured TAD Lincoln, certainly no one of sane mind would doubt that Lincoln would have negotiated for his release. Lincoln rejected ALL attempts at negotiation. A diplomat, a statesman would have met with any of the delegations in an attempt to PEACFULLY negotiate settlement of the issues. Lincoln didn't.

[Non-Sequitur]

Lincoln rejected ALL attempts at negotiation.

There were no attempts on the part of the Davis regime to negotiate. Only a demand for recognition. What is there to negotiate in that?

A diplomat, a statesman would have met with any of the delegations in an attempt to PEACFULLY negotiate settlement of the issues. Lincoln didn't.

And what was he supposed to have negotiated? Tell me that.