“Mr. Charles Sumner has pronounced very energetically in
favor of the Abolition of Slavery, and demanded, with
great strength of expression and power of argument, the
introduction of this question into the conflict. He
demanded especially, that the Executive Power should
pronounce in favor of Immediate Abolition by a declaration,
perfectly legal according to him, that all slaves coming
within the lines of the Federal [National] army should
be free. This declaration seems to him at the same time
constitutional and justified by precedents. The Executive
Power has this right in virtue of Martial Law. The most
significant fact, and which augurs the definitive solution
of the question, is, that the speech was received with
great enthusiasm by the audience; and since it presents
in effect the most rapid solution of a burdensome war, it
becomes now more than probable that the pressure of public
opinion will not be slow in making itself felt by the
Federal Government.”