“Care has been taken to so shape the document as to avoid embarrassments from this source.  Saying that, on certain terms, certain classes will be pardoned, with rights restored, it is not said that other classes or other terms will never be included.  Saying that reconstruction will be accepted if presented in a specified way, it is not said it will never be accepted in any other way.

“The movements, by state action, for emancipation in several of the States, not included in the emancipation proclamation, are matters of profound gratulation.  And while I do not repeat in detail what I have heretofore so earnestly urged upon this subject, my general views and feelings remain unchanged; and I trust that Congress will omit no fair opportunity of aiding these important steps to a great consummation.

“In the midst of other cares, however important, we must not lose sight of the fact that the war power is still our main reliance.  To that power alone we can look yet for a time, to give confidence to the people in the contested regions, that the insurgent power will not again overrun them.  Until that confidence shall be established, little can be done anywhere for what is called reconstruction.

“Hence our chiefest care must be directed to the army and navy, who have thus far borne their harder part so nobly and well.  And it may be esteemed fortunate that in giving the greatest efficiency to these indispensable arms, we do also honorably recognize the gallant men, from commander to sentinel, who compose them, and to whom, more than to others, the world must stand indebted for the home of freedom disenthralled, regenerated, enlarged, and perpetuated.”

This step, this offer of amnesty and pardon, and invitation to state reconstruction, took every one by surprise.  As usual the President had been “doing his own thinking,” reaching his own conclusions and acting upon them with little counsel asked from any among the multitudes of wise men who were so ready to furnish it.  For a moment his action received a gratifying welcome of praise and approval.  The first impulsive sentiment was that of pleasure because the offer was in so liberal, so conciliatory, so forgiving a spirit; moreover, people were encouraged by the very fact that the President thought it worth while to initiate reconstruction; also many of the more weak-kneed, who desired to see the luring process tried, were gratified by a generous measure.  Then, too, not very much thought had yet been given, at least by the people in general, to actual processes of reconstruction; for while many doubted whether there would ever be a chance to reconstruct at all, very few fancied the time for it to be nearly approaching.  Therefore the President occupied vacant ground in the minds of most persons.