“ [282] opinion that way; and though they may not be pleasant in all their particulars, the effect, as a whole, is renovating and invigorating to my perceptions of responsibility and duty.”No nobler reply ever fell from the lips of ruler, than that uttered by President Lincoln in response to the clergyman who ventured to say, in his presence, that he hoped “the Lord was on our side.” “I am not at all concerned about that,” replied Mr. Lincoln, “for I know that the Lord is always on the side of the right. But it is my constant anxiety and prayer that I and this nation should be on the Lord's side.” In the midst of the despondency produced by the raid on Washington, in, the summer of 1864, and the successful return of the Rebel force to Richmond, the President's Proclamation of July 18th appeared, calling for five hundred thousand more men. In view of the impending presidential canvass, Mr. Lincoln's strongest friends looked upon this step, at this time, as calculated to utterly defeat his chances of reelection. Commissioner Dole ventured to say as much upon the President's announcement to him of his contemplated purpose. “It matters not what becomes of me,” replied Mr. Lincoln; “we must have the men! If I go down, I intend to go like the Cumberland, with my colors flying!” Upon Mr. Lincoln's return to Washington, after
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