"The signs look better. The Father of Waters again goes unvexed to the
sea.... The job was a great national one, and let none be banned who
bore an honorable part in it. And while those who cleared the great
river may well be proud, even that is not all. It is hard to say that
anything has been more bravely and well done than at Antietam,
Murfreesboro, Gettysburg, and on many fields of lesser note. Nor must
Uncle Sam's webfeet be forgotten. Not only on the deep sea, the broad
bay, and the rapid river, but also up the narrow, muddy bay, and
wherever the ground was a little damp, they have been, and made their
tracks! Thanks to all--for the great republic!"--(Letter by President
Lincoln, regretting inability to attend a meeting of unconditional
Union men at Springfield, Illinois; dated August 26, 1863, to J. C.
Conkling.)
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