The following extract, copied from the letter-book of Governor
Andrew, is a contemporary record of Mr. Sumner’s efforts with
the Governor, and also of an important remark by President
Lincoln.
WASHINGTON, December 27, 1861.
…
We hope that in your Message you will keep Massachusetts ahead,
where she always has been, in the ideas of our movement. Let the
doctrine of Emancipation be proclaimed as an essential and happy
agency in subduing a wicked rebellion. In this way you will help
a majority of the Cabinet, whose opinions on this subject are
fixed, and precede the President himself by a few weeks. He tells
me that I am ahead of him only a month or six weeks. God bless
you!…
Ever yours,