He was the first public man who, during these long years of the reign of injustice, had recognized, in a slave State, the manhood of the bondman. In God's good providence their haughty oppressors will erelong be compelled, both as individuals and as States, to do the same. Mr. Lincoln remained in Richmond two days, rode through the streets, visited the prisons and fortifications, ordered bread to be distributed to the famished rebel families left behind, and to the freed people, and then took his departure for home. He witnessed scenes of the most profound significance. The blackened city, the ashes of that resplendent castle in the air, the Southern Empire, the broken fetters of slavery, and heard that shout of deliverance of millions of slaves, which once to hear was worth a lifetime of labor and toil. He stood there, as Moses stood upon Mount Nebo, and gazed from the departing mists upon a bright and far-reaching future, prosperous in the reign of peace, justice, and freedom. A glad day was this for Mr. Lincoln, a memorable day in the annals of the irrepressible and ever-recurring conflicts in defense of the rights of man. "IO TRIUMPHE." O, land, through years of shrouded nights That beacon the world's hoping, To all who, dragged through hell's abyss, The Lord God's purpose throbs along He keeps the sap of nations strong The Lord God sows his righteous grain And draws from present days of pain For lo! the branding flails that drave And lo! the dreadful blasts that blew Have scorched and winnowed from the true Wherefore, O ransomed people shout! O, banners, wave in glory! O, bugles, blow the triumph out! 163 O, drums, strike up the story! Clang, broken fetters, idle swords! Clap hands, O States, together! AND LET ALL PRAISES BE THE Lord's, OUR SAVIOR AND OUR FATHER! Lieut. RICHARD Realf. RETURN TO WASHINGTON-HIS DEATH. 165 CHAPTER XVII. RETURN TO WASHINGTON-DEATH AND BURIAL. R. LINCOLN remained in Richmond two days, looking over the great fortifications of that rebel stronghold, and gathering such information as might be of value in his future duties. On his return, he stopped at City Point. "Calling upon the head surgeon at that place, Mr. Lincoln told him that he wished to visit all the hospitals under his charge, and shake hands with every soldier. The surgeon asked if he knew what he was undertaking, there being five or six thousand soldiers at that place, and it would be quite a task upon his strength to visit all the wards and shake hands with every soldier. Mr. Lincoln answered, with a smile, he 'guessed he was equal to the task; at any rate he would try, and go as far as he could. He should never probably see the boys again, and he wanted them to know that he appreciated what they had done for their country.' Finding it useless to dissuade him, the surgeon began his rounds with the President, who walked from bed to bed, extending his hand to all, saying a few words, of sympathy to some, making kind inquiries of others, and welcomed by all with the heartiest cordiality. As they passed along, they came to a ward in which lay a rebel who had been wounded and was a prisoner. As the tall figure of the kindly visitor appeared in sight, he was recognized by the rebel soldier, who, raising himself on his elbow in bed, watched Mr. Lincoln as he approached, and, extending his hand, exclaimed, while tears ran down his cheeks: Mr. Lincoln, I have long wanted to see you, to ask your forgiveness for ever raising my hand against the old flag.' Mr. Lincoln was moved to tears. He heartily shook the hand of the repentant rebel, and assured him of his good-will, and, with a few words of kind advice, passed on. After some hours, the tour of the various hospitals was made, and Mr. Lincoln returned with the surgeon to his office. They had scarcely entered, however, when a |