consequences of insurrection and massacre at the South.  I view this matter as a practical war measure, to be decided on according to the advantages or disadvantages it may offer to the suppression of the rebellion....  Do not misunderstand me because I have mentioned these objections.  They indicate the difficulties that have thus far prevented my action in some such way as you desire.  I have not decided against a proclamation of liberty to the slaves, but hold the matter under advisement.  And I can assure you that the subject is on my mind, by day and night, more than any other.  Whatever shall appear to be God’s will, I will do.”

Four days after this interview the battle of Antietam was fought, and when, after a few days of uncertainty it was ascertained that it could be reasonably claimed as a Union victory, the President resolved to carry out his long-matured purpose.  The diary of Secretary Chase has recorded a very full report of the interesting transaction.  On this ever memorable September 22, 1862, after some playful preliminary talk, Mr. Lincoln said to his cabinet: 

“GENTLEMEN:  I have, as you are aware, thought a great deal about the relation of this war to slavery; and you all remember that, several weeks ago, I read to you an order I had prepared on this subject, which, on account of objections made by some of you, was not issued.  Ever since then my mind has been much occupied with this subject, and I have thought, all along, that the time for acting on it might probably come.  I think the time has come now.  I wish it was a better time.  I wish that we were in a better condition.  The action of the army against the rebels has not been quite what I should have best liked.  But they have been driven out of Maryland, and Pennsylvania is no longer in danger of invasion.  When the rebel army was at Frederick, I determined, as soon as it should be driven out of Maryland, to issue a proclamation of emancipation, such as I thought most likely to be useful.  I said nothing to any one, but I made the promise to myself and [hesitating a little] to my Maker.  The rebel army is now driven out, and I am going to fulfil that promise.  I have got you together to hear what I have written down.  I do not wish your advice about the main matter, for that I have determined for myself.  This I say without intending anything but respect for any one of you.  But I already know the views of each on this question.  They have been heretofore expressed, and I have considered them as thoroughly and carefully as I can.  What I have written is that which my reflections have determined me to say.  If there is anything in the expressions I use, or in any minor matter which any one of you thinks had best be changed, I shall be glad to receive the suggestions.  One other observation I will make.  I know very well that many others might, in this matter as in others, do better than I can; and if I was satisfied that the public confidence was more fully possessed