ies had really begun his tone changed, and in
his inaugural address, January 1st, 1863, his position was clearly
defined as follows: "Under no circumstances can the division of the
Union be conceded. We will put forth every exertion of power; we will
use every policy of conciliation; we will guarantee them every right,
every consideration demanded by the constitution and by that fraternal
regard which must prevail in a common country; but we can never
voluntarily consent to the breaking up of the union of these States or
the destruction of the constitution."

President Lincoln telegraphed Mr. Seymour asking if he could raise and
forward forthwith 20,000 troops to assist in repelling the threatened
invasion by Lee, of Maryland and Pennsylvania. Within three days 12,000
soldiers were on their way to Gettysburg. The draft riots next occupied
his attention. The National government passed a conscription act, March
3rd, enrolling all able-bodied citizens, between twenty and forty-five
years of age, and in May the President ordered a draft of three hundred
thousand men. The project was exceedingly unpopular, and was bitterly
denounced on every hand, says Barnes. The anti-slavery measure of the
administration had already occupied widespread hostility to the war.

While Pickett's noble southern troops were assaulting Cemetery Ridge at
Gettysburg, inflammatory handbills were being circulated in New York
city, which brought on a riot July 13th. The mob rose in arms, sacked
houses, demolished the offices of the provost-marshal, burned the
colored orphan asylum, attacked the police, and chased negroes; even
women and children, wherever found, were chased, and if caught hung to
the nearest lamp-post. Two millions of dollars' worth of property was
destroyed. The Governor immediately went to New York, and on the 14th he
issued two proclamations; one calling on the rioters to disperse; the
other declaring the city in a state of insurrection. He divided the city
into districts, which were placed under the control of military men, who
were directed to organize the citizens; and 3,000 stands of arms were
issued to these and other organizations. Boats were chartered to convey
policemen and soldiers to any point on the shores of the island where
disturbances were threatened. The Governor visited all the riotous
districts in person, and by persuasion, as well as by the use of the
force at his command, aided in quelling the disturbance.

Dur