The rather long and careful
speech which Mr. Lincoln made on that occasion was, however, less about
the past than the future. It discussed the subject of reconstruction as
illustrated in the case of Louisiana, showing also how that issue was
related to the questions of emancipation, the condition of the freedmen,
the welfare of the South, and the ratification of the constitutional
amendment.
"So new and unprecedented is the whole case," he concluded, "that no
exclusive and inflexible plan can safely be prescribed as to details and
collaterals. Such exclusive and inflexible plan would surely become a
new entanglement. Important principles may and must be inflexible. In
the present situation, as the phrase goes, it may be my duty to make
some new announcement to the people of the South. I am considering, and
shall not fail to act when satisfied that action will be proper."
Can any one doubt that this "new announcement" which was taking shape in
his mind would again have embraced and combined justice to the blacks
and generosity to the whites of the South, with Union and liberty for
the whole country?
XXXV
Depreciation of Confederate Currency--Rigor of
Conscription--Dissatisfaction with the Confederate Government--Lee
General-in-Chief--J.E. Johnston Reappointed to Oppose Sherman's
March--Value of Slave Property Gone in Richmond--Davis's Recommendation
of Emancipation--Benjamin's Last Despatch to Slidell--Condition of the
Army when Lee took Command--Lee Attempts Negotiations with
Grant--Lincoln's Directions--Lee and Davis Agree upon Line of
Retreat--Assault on Fort Stedman--Five Forks--Evacuation of
Petersburg--Surrender of Richmond--Pursuit of Lee--Surrender of
Lee--Burning of Richmond--Lincoln in Richmond
From the hour of Mr.
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