We are all aware of the story of that struggle.  We can never forget the story, for there is yet a “vacant chair,” that recalls it in many a home.  The manner in which President Lincoln conducted the affairs of the government during that struggle forms an important chapter in the history of the world for that period.  After Good Friday comes Easter; after the day of dejection and doubt comes the day of recompense and rejoicing.  To my mind there is that in the life-work of President Lincoln which itself consecrates every soldier’s grave, and makes the tenant of that grave more worthy of his sublime dying.  It added honor to honor to have fallen, serving under such a commander.

It was midsummer, 1862, and at a time when the whole North was depressed, that the President convened his cabinet to talk over the subject-matter of the Emancipation Proclamation.  On the 22d of September ensuing it was published to the world.  It was the act of the President alone.  It exhibited far-seeing sagacity, courage, independence, and statesmanship.  The final proclamation was issued on the 1st of January, 1863.  On that day the President had been receiving calls, and for hours shaking hands.  As the paper was brought to him by the Secretary of State to be signed, he said, “Mr. Seward, I have been shaking hands all day, and my right hand is almost paralyzed.  If my name ever gets into history it will be for this act, and my whole soul is in it.  If my hand trembles when I sign the proclamation those who examine the document hereafter will say, ‘He hesitated.’” Then, resting his arm a moment, he turned to the table, took up the pen, and slowly and firmly wrote, Abraham Lincoln.  He smiled as, handing the paper to Mr. Seward, he said “That will do.”

This was the pivotal act of his administration; but this humane and just promise to liberate four millions of slaves, to wipe out a nation’s disgrace, was followed by the darkest and most doubtful days in the history of America.  Grant, in the lowlands of Louisiana, was endeavoring, against obstacles, to open the Mississippi; but, with all his energy, he accomplished nothing.  McClellan’s habit of growling at the President had become intolerable, and Burnside superseded him in command of the Army of the Potomac.  Burnside advanced against Lee, fought him at Fredericksburg, and was repulsed with terrible disaster.  Then the army broke camp for another campaign, the elements opposed, Burnside gave way to Hooker.  The soldiers became disheartened, and thousands deserted to their homes in the North.  The President’s proclamation was now virtually a dead letter; people looked upon it and characterized it as a joke.  But there came at last a break in the clouds, and on Independence Day, 1863, the star of liberty and union appeared upon the distant sky as a covenant that God had not forsaken the Prophet of the West,—­the Redeemer of the Slave.  I can find no more fitting words to characterize Grant’s victory at Vicksburg than those which the young and brave McPherson used in his congratulatory address to the brave men who fought for the victory:—­