lincoln knew his physical egalitarianisnm, immersing himself in crowds in richmond put them at risk for being targeted by anyone willing to exchange is alive -- his own life for the presidents. that price he was glad to pay it made him unconcerned about the possible threats to his life. lincoln was thinking on april 14 then, according to schuyler colfax, was that he would continue embracing popular republicanism, as his chosen way of life. we have arrived at our third witness to what lincoln was thinking on april 14, secretary of the navy gideon welles. who attended the three-hour cabinet meeting on april 14 between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.. naturally, the president and his colleagues, including their special guest, general grant were all feeling chipper that day, still reveling over all of the good news received from virginia since the fall of richmond on april 3. those present remarked later just as mary had done on lincoln's unusually high spirits. the secretary of war found him more cheerful and happy that i had ever seen him. he said that during the deathwatch across the street. in