There was one marked element of Mr. Lincoln’s character admirably
expressed by the Hon. Mr. Colfax, in his oration at Chicago upon his
death: “When his judgment, which acted slowly, but which was almost as
immovable as the eternal hills when settled, was grasping some subject
of importance, the arguments against his own desires seemed uppermost
in his mind, and, in conversing upon it, he would present those
arguments to see if they could be rebutted.”
In illustration of this, it is only necessary to recall the fact that
the interview between himself and the Chicago delegation of clergymen,
appointed to urge upon him the issue of a proclamation of emancipation,
took place September 13, 1862, more than a month after he had declared
to the Cabinet his established purpose to take this step. He said to
this committee: “I do not want to issue a document that the whole
world will see must necessarily be inoperative, like the Pope’s bull
against the comet!” After drawing out their views upon the subject, he
concluded the interview with these memorable words:--
“Do not misunderstand me, because I have mentioned these objections.
They indicate the difficulties which have thus far prevented my
action in some such way as you desire. I have not decided against a
proclamation of liberty to the slaves, but hold the matter under
advisement. And I can assure you that the subject is on my mind, by day
and night, more than any other. Whatever shall appear to be God’s will,
I will do! I trust that, in the freedom with which I have canvassed
your views, I have not in any respect injured your feelings.”
In further evidence of this peculiarity of his mind, I will state
that notwithstanding his apparent hesitation in the appointment of
a successor to Judge Taney, it is well known to his most intimate
friends, that “there had never been a time during his Presidency, when,
in the event of the death of Judge Taney, he had not fully intended and
expected to nominate Salmon P. Chase for Chief Justice.” These were his
very words uttered in connection with this subject.