In conversation with some friends at the White House on New Year’s
evening, 1863, President Lincoln said, concerning his Emancipation
Proclamation:
“The signature looks a little tremulous, for my hand was tired, but my
resolution was firm.
“I told them in September, if they did not return to their allegiance,
and cease murdering our soldiers, I would strike at this pillar of their
strength.
“And now the promise shall be kept, and not one word of it will I ever
recall.”