it as "a species of hands, whereby the crime of treason might be covered with a counterfeit favor nisha of patriotism, so that the precipitated of the rebellion might go down in history hand-to-hand with the defenders of the government." the us, wiping out with their own hands their own stains." rightly convince the klan would soon evolve into an armed organization designed to control southern elections to a violence and intimidation, thomas repeatedly warned washington of the peril of its rise. honors came his way. he received the thanks of congress in 1865 in a formal resolution in the following year, he reluctantly agreed to appear before the house of representatives. escorted to the speaker's stand thomas was greeted by a tremendous ovation. it was almost too much for him, overcome by modesty and embarrassment. his hand ever steady in battle trembled and he blushed. in 1867 an attempt was made to draft thomas' candidate for president. he discourage such efforts and told one admirer, i am a soldier and i know my duty. as a politician i would be lost. no sir, i want to die with a fair