But no human power can subdue this rebellion
without the use of the emancipation policy and every other policy
calculated to weaken the moral and physical forces of the rebellion....
Let my enemies prove to the country that the destruction of slavery is
not necessary to a restoration of the Union. I will abide the issue."
The political situation grew still darker. When at last, toward the end
of August, the general gloom had enveloped even the President himself,
his action was most original and characteristic. Feeling that the
campaign was going against him, he made up his mind deliberately as to
the course he should pursue, and laid down for himself the action
demanded by his conviction of duty. He wrote on August 23 the following
memorandum:
"This morning, as for some days past, it seems exceedingly probable that
this administration will not be reelected. Then it will be my duty to so
cooeperate with the President-elect as to save the Union between the
election and the inauguration, as he will have secured his election on
such ground that he cannot possibly save it afterwards."
He then folded and pasted the sheet in such manner that its contents
could not be read, and as the cabinet came together he handed this paper
to each member successively, requesting them to write their names across
the back of it.
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