Seward reflected on a comment made by Mr. Bates, who branded him an "unprincipled liar." This label surprised him, as he viewed himself as a principled individual within the political arena. He indicated that despite the derogatory remark, he holds strong ethical standards and believes that smart individuals, like himself, do not need to resort to lies to navigate political challenges.

Lincoln responded to Seward's remarks with a chuckle, acknowledging the humor in the situation. He observed that, despite their different backgrounds, Seward's wit mirrored his own. Lincoln also expressed the idea that true intelligence lies in not having to lie, suggesting that cleverness and integrity can coexist in political discourse.