A GREAT actor can be known only when he has assumed the principal
character in a great drama. Possibly the greatest actors have never
appeared, and it may be that the greatest soldiers have lived the lives
of perfect peace. Lincoln assumed the leading part in the greatest drama
ever enacted upon the stage of this continent.
His criticisms of military movements, his correspondence with his
generals and others on the conduct of the war, show that he was at all
times master of the situation--that he was a natural strategist, that he
appreciated the difficulties and advantages of every kind, and that in
"the still and mental" field of war he stood the peer of any man beneath
the flag.
Had McClellan followed his advice, he would have taken Richmond.
Had Hooker acted in accordance with his suggestions, Chancellorsville
would have been a victory for the Nation.
Lincoln's political prophecies were all fulfilled.
We know now that he not only stood at the top, but that he occupied
the centre, from first to last, and that he did this by reason of his
intelligence, his humor, his philosophy, his courage and his patriotism.
In passion's storm he stood, unmoved, patient, just and candid. In his
brain there was no cloud, and in his heart no hate. He longed to save
the South as well as North, to see the Nation one and free.
He lived until the end was known.
He lived until the Confederacy was dead--until Lee surrendered, until
Davis fled, until the doors of Libby Prison were opened, until the
Republic was supreme.
He lived until Lincoln and Liberty were united forever.
He lived to cross the desert--to reach the palms of victory--to hear the
murmured music of the welcome waves.
He lived until all loyal hearts were his--until the history of his
deeds made music in the souls of men--until he knew that on Columbia's
Calendar of worth and fame his name stood first.
He lived until there remained nothing for him to do as great as he had
done.
What he did was worth living for, worth dying for.