On the day the news of General Lee’s surrender at Appomattox Court-House
was received, so an intimate friend of President Lincoln relates,
the Cabinet meeting was held an hour earlier than usual. Neither the
President nor any member of the Cabinet was able, for a time, to give
utterance to his feelings. At the suggestion of Mr. Lincoln all dropped
on their knees, and offered, in silence and in tears, their humble and
heartfelt acknowledgments to the Almighty for the triumph He had granted
to the National cause.