thirty-five, and McClellan one million eight hundred and eleven thousand seven hundred and fifty-four, leaving a majority of four hundred and eleven thousand two hundred and eighty-one on the popular vote. Mr. Lincoln, who in 1860 was elected by a plurality vote, received in 1864 a most decided and unmistakable majority, being the sixth President of the United States who had been elected to serve a second term.

This gratifying result was accepted as a full indorsement of the policy of Mr. Lincoln's Administration, and the prosecution of the war received new vigor and strength, from this time forward.

At a late hour on the night of the election, the President was serenaded by a club of Pennsylvanians, who notified him of the fact of his being the choice of the people for a second term. He responded as follows:

"FRIENDS AND FELLOW-CITIZENS:-Even before I had been informed by you that this compliment was paid me by loyal citizens of Pennsylvania friendly to me, I had inferred that you were of that portion of my countrymen who think that the best interests of the nation are to be subserved by the support of the present Administration. I do not pretend to say that you, who think so, embrace all the patriotism and loyalty of the country; but I do believe, and I trust without personal interest, that the welfare of the country does require that such support and indorsement be given. I earnestly believe that the consequences of this day's work, if it be as you assume, and as now seems probable, will be to the lasting advantage if not to the very salvation of the country. I cannot, at this hour, say what has been the result of the election, but whatever it may be, I have no desire to modify this opinion: that all who have labored to-day in behalf of the Union organization, have wrought for the best interest of their country and the

I am

world, not only for the present but for all future ages. thankful to God for this approval of the people; but while deeply grateful for this mark of their confidence in me, if I know my heart, my gratitude is free from any taint of personal triumph. I do not impugn the motives of any one opposed to me. It is no pleasure to me to triumph over any one, but I give thanks to the Almighty for this evidence of the people's resolution to stand by free government and the rights of humanity."

CHAPTER XV.

FROM MR. LINCOLN'S RE-ELECTION TO THE CONCLUSION OF

THE WAR.

The Annual Message of 1864-5.-The Fortress Monroe Peace Negotiations. Mr. Lincoln's and Mr. Seward's accounts of the Conference.-The account given by one of the Rebel Commissioners, Hon. Alexander S. Stephens, Vice President of the Confederacy.-Mr. Lincoln's Inauguration, March 4th, 1865.-His second Inaugural Address.-Military Events. Sherman's March to Savannah.-Thomas's defeat of Hood.The Expeditions against Wilmington.-Operations of the Army of the Potomac against Richmond and Petersburg.-Capture of these Cities.Lee's flight, pursuit, and defeat.-He surrenders to General Grant.— Sherman's March through the Carolinas.—He receives Johnston's surrender. Collapse of the Rebellion.-The President visits the Army.— Is present at the fall of Richmond.-Enters that City.-Returns to Washington. His last Speech to the People, on occasion of the public rejoicings at Washington.

BOTH Houses of Congress assembled on Monday, the fifth of December, 1864, and after some preliminary business, adjourned to Tuesday, when the following message was received from the President:

"FELLOW CITIZENS OF THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:-Again the blessings of health and abundant harvests claim our profoundest gratitude to Almighty God.

"The condition of our foreign affairs is reasonably satisfactory.

"Mexico continues to be a theatre of civil war. While our political relations with that country have undergone no change, we have at the same time strictly maintained neutrality between the belligerents.

"Official correspondence has been freely opened with Liberia, and it gives us a pleasing view of social and political progress in that republic. It may be expected to derive new vigor from American influence, improved by the rapid disappearance of slavery in the United States. I solicit your authority to furnish to the republic a gunboat, at a moderate cost, to be reimbursed to the United States by instalments. Such a vessel is needed for the safety of that State against the native African races, and in Liberian hands it would be more effective in arresting the African slave trade than a squadron in our own hands.

"The possession of the least organized naval force would stimulate a generous ambition in the republic, and the confidence which we should manifest by furnishing it would win forbearance and favor toward the colony from all civilized nations.

"I learn, with much satisfaction, that the noble design of a telegraphic communication between the eastern coast of America and Great Britain has been renewed, with full expectation of its early accomplishment.

"Thus it is hoped that with the return of domestic peace, the country will be able to resume with energy and advantage her former high career of commerce and civilization.

"The ports of Norfolk, Fernandina, and Pensacola have been opened by proclamation. It is hoped that foreign merchants will now consider whether it is not safe and more profitable to themselves, as well as just to the United States, to resort to these and other open ports, than it is to pursue, through many hazards, and at vast cost, a contraband trade with other ports which are closed, if not by actual military operations, at least by a lawful and effective blockade.

"For myself, I have no doubt of the power and duty of the Executive, under the law of nations, to exclude enemies of the human race from an asylum in the United States. If Congress

should think that proceedings in such cases lack the authority of law, or ought to be further regulated by it, I recommend that provision be made for effectually preventing foreign slavetraders from acquiring domicile and facilities for their criminal occupation in our country.

"It is possible that if this were a new and open question, the maritime powers, with the light they now enjoy, would not concede the privileges of a naval belligerent to the insurgents of the United States, destitute as they are and always have been, equally of ships and of ports and harbors. Disloyal emissaries have been neither less assiduous nor more successful during the last year than they were before that time, in their efforts, under favor of that privilege, to embroil our country in foreign wars. The desire and determination of the maritime States to defeat that design are believed to be as sincere as, and cannot be more earnest than our own.

"Nevertheless, unforeseen difficulties have arisen, especially in Brazilian and British ports, and on the northern boundary of the United States, which have required and are likely to continue to require the practice of constant vigilance, and a just and conciliatory spirit on the part of the United States, as well as of the nations concerned and their governments. Commissioners have been appointed under the treaty with Great Britain, on the adjustment of the claims of the Hudson Bay and Puget's Sound Agricultural Companies in Oregon, and are now proceeding to the execution of the trust assigned them.

"In view of the insecurity of life in the region adjacent to the Canadian border by recent assaults and depredations committed by inimical and desperate persons who are harbored there, it has been thought proper to give notice that after the expiration of six months, the period conditionally stipulated in the existing arrangements with Great Britain, the United States must hold themselves at liberty to increase their naval armament upon the lakes, if they shall find that proceeding necessary. The condition of the border will necessarily come into con