As the great leader in the overthrow of slavery, he had seen his action
sanctioned by an emphatic majority of the people, and now the
constitutional majority of two-thirds of both branches of Congress had
voted to submit to the States this amendment of the organic law.
Illinois, the home of Lincoln, as was fit, took the lead in ratifying
this amendment, and other States rapidly followed, until more than the
requisite number was obtained, and the amendment adopted. Meanwhile,
military successes continued, until the victory over slavery and
rebellion was won.