You have not been mistaken in supposing my views and feeling to be in favor of the abolition of war. Of my disposition to maintain peace until its condition shall be made less tolerable than that of war itself, the world has had proofs, and more, perhaps, than it has approved. I hope it is practicable, by improving the mind and morals of society, to lessen the disposition to war; but of its abolition I despair.

Summary

In this quote, the speaker acknowledges their support for the abolition of war while defending their belief that achieving complete eradication of war may not be possible. They assert that they have consistently displayed a desire to promote peace and will continue to do so until the conditions of peace become unbearable. However, the speaker maintains a sense of realism, expressing doubt regarding the feasibility of entirely eliminating war. Despite their hopes to reduce the inclination towards war through societal improvements, they express a feeling of despair when it comes to the complete abolition of war.