them. As any answer he could make would be
liable to misconstruction, he devoted the larger part of it to pointing
out the unreasonableness of their dogmatic insistence:

"I am approached with the most opposite opinions and advice, and that by
religious men, who are equally certain that they represent the divine
will. I am sure that either the one or the other class is mistaken in
that belief, and perhaps, in some respects, both. I hope it will not be
irreverent for me to say that if it is probable that God would reveal
his will to others, on a point so connected with my duty, it might be
supposed he would reveal it directly to me.... What good would a
proclamation of emancipation from me do, especially as we are now
situated? I do not want to issue a document that the whole world will
see must necessarily be inoperative, like the Pope's bull against the
comet.... Understand, I raise no objections against it on legal or
constitutional grounds, for, as commander-in-chief of the army and navy
in time of war, I suppose I have a right to take any measure which may
best subdue the enemy; nor do I urge objections of a moral nature, in
view of possible 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, whi