qua non_. The ambition of politicians may have
instigated them to act; they would have been impotent without
Slavery as their instrument. I will also concede that
Emancipation would help us in Europe, and convince them that we
are incited by something more than ambition. I grant, further,
that it would help somewhat at the North, though not so much, I
fear, as you and those you represent imagine. Still, some
additional strength would be added in that way to the war; and
then, unquestionably, it would weaken the Rebels by drawing off
their laborers, which is of great importance; but I am not so
sure we could do much with the Blacks. If we were to arm them, I
fear that in a few weeks the arms would be in the hands of the
Rebels; and, indeed, thus far, we have not had arms enough to
equip our White troops. I will mention another thing, though it
meet only your scorn and contempt. There are fifty thousand
bayonets in the Union army from the Border Slave States. It would
be a serious matter if, in consequence of a proclamation such as
you desire, they should go over to the Rebels. I do not think
they all would--not so many, indeed, as a year ago, or as six
months ago--not so many to-day as yesterday. Every day increases
their Union feeling. They are also getting their pride enlisted,
and want to beat the Rebels. Let me say one thing more: I think
you should admit that we already have an important principle to
rally and unite the people, in the fact that constitutional
government is at stake. This is a fundamental idea, going down
about as deep as anything."[90]

But there were millions of prayers ascending to the God of Battles
daily that the President might have the courage and disposition to
pursue a course required by the lamentable condition of the Union. And
just nine days from the time he thought a proclamation not warranted
and impracticable, he issued the following:

"I, ABRAHAM LINCOLN, President of the United States of America,
and Commander-in-chief of the Army and Navy thereof, do hereby
proclaim and declare that hereafter, as heretofore, the war will
be prosecuted for the object of practically restoring the
constitutional relation between the United States and each of the
States, and the people thereof, in which States that relation is
or may be suspen