As the time drew near at which Mr. Lincoln said he would issue the
Emancipation Proclamation, some clergymen, who feared the President
might change his mind, called on him to urge him to keep his promise.
“We were ushered into the Cabinet room,” says Dr. Sunderland. “It
was very dim, but one gas jet burning. As we entered, Mr. Lincoln was
standing at the farther end of the long table, which filled the center
of the room. As I stood by the door, I am so very short, that I was
obliged to look up to see the President. Mr. Robbins introduced me, and
I began at once by saying: ‘I have come, Mr. President, to anticipate
the new year with my respects, and if I may, to say to you a word about
the serious condition of this country.’
“‘Go ahead, Doctor,’ replied the President; ‘every little helps.’ But I
was too much in earnest to laugh at his sally at my smallness.”