f attacks upon myself, wishing not to be provoked by that to which I
cannot properly make answer. In spite of this precaution, however, it
comes to my knowledge that I am much censured for some supposed agency
in setting up and seeking to sustain the new State Government of
Louisiana. In this I have done just so much and no more than the
public knows." He then gave somewhat full details of the successive
steps he had taken in his attempt at reconstruction,--steps already
detailed with precision in this chapter. After completing his recital
he stated with entire frankness that he had done nothing else. "Such,"
said he, "has been my only agency in setting up the Louisiana
Government." He was thus explicit because certain members of Congress,
in the excitement caused by the hostility to the President's plan, had
been rash enough to insinuate that the President had a secret
understanding with certain rebels, who, as soon as the President's hand
was withdrawn, would turn the control of the State over to the
unrepentant Democracy who had been so active in precipitating the war.

Concluding his remarks to an audience loath to leave and eager to hear
every word from lips which seemed then to be those of an oracle, Mr.
Lincoln dwelt with great seriousness, even with solemnity, upon this
subject which now wholly engrossed his mind. The contest of arms was
over, but the President realized that the great pressure of duty which
had been weighing him down was not removed by the coming of peace. Its
character was changed, its exactions were perhaps less urgent, but
withal he felt that the war would have been in vain unless, in exchange
for all its agonies and all its burdens, there should come to the
institutions of the country some great reforms, and to the people a new
baptism of patriotic interest and philanthropic duty. He dwelt with
deep solicitude on the situation in the rebellious States, and, unable
to speak as fully as he desired, and with evident emotion, "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."

The "new announcement" to the South was never made. Three days after
it was promised, Mr. Lincoln met his fate. What changes might have
been wrought if he had lived to make the promised exposition can only
be surmised. It may be well believed however that the confidence
reposed in him universally