the field--that great power of the rebellion-will be broken and crushed by our gallant officers and brave soldiers; and ere long they will return to their homes and firesides to resume again the avocations of peace, with the proud consciousness that they have aided in the noble work of re-establishing upon a surer and more permanent basis the great temple of American Freedom.

"I am, gentlemen, with sentiments of high regard, "Yours truly,

"ANDREW JOHNSON."

CHAPTER VIII.

TAKES THE OATH AS PRESIDENT.

AT the warmly contested election on the 14th of November, 1864, all the States voting, except three, gave a majority of their suffrages for Lincoln and Johnson; and when, on the 4th of March, 1865, the Vice-President elect took his seat as presiding officer of the Senate, he could already see the end of the conflict in which he had borne so active and memorable a part. It must have been to him an occasion full of just satisfaction and honorable pride. As he looked around the chamber whose walls had so often echoed with the tones of his rebuke of secession doctrines and secession acts, as he saw the vacant seats of a score of his former associates who were now wandering fugitives, his bosom must indeed have swelled with the cheering consciousness that, at least in his case, an honest and brave defence of principle had been rightly rewarded by the applause and gratitude of his country. But Providence had not destined him to remain in the quiet and pleasant office to which he had been called by the suffrages of the

nation. A wider sphere of honor, of usefulness, and of responsibility was thrown upon him by one of the most sad and startling catastrophes in the wide sweep of human history. On the 14th of April, only six days after the close of the civil war by the surrender of General Lee and the army of Northern Virginia, Abraham Lincoln fell by the hand of an assassin, and a few hours. after his mournful departure Andrew Johnson, in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution, was inducted into the exalted position of President of the United States.

After the customary oath had been administered by the Chief-Justice, President Johnson delivered the following feeling and pertinent address:

"GENTLEMEN-I must be permitted to say that I have been almost overwhelmed by the announcement of the sad event which has so recently occurred. I feel incompetent to perform duties so important and responsible as those which have been so unexpectedly thrown upon me. As to an indication of any policy which may be pursued by me in administration of the Government, I have to say, that that must be left for development as the administration progresses. The message or declaration must be made by the acts as they transpire. The only assurance that I can now give of the future, is by reference to the past. The course which I have taken in the past, in connection with this rebellion, must be regarded as a guaranty of the future. My past public life, which has been long and laborious, has been founded, as I

in good conscience believe, upon a great principle of right, which lies at the basis of all things. The best energies of my life have been spent in endeavoring to establish and perpetuate the principles of free government, and I believe that the Government, in passing through its present trials, will settle down upon principles consonant with popular rights more permanent and enduring than heretofore. I must be permitted to say, if I understand the feelings of my own heart, I have long labored to ameliorate and alleviate the condition of the great mass of the American people. Toil and an honest advocacy of the great principles of free government, have been my lot. The duties have been mine-the consequences are God's. This has been the foundation of my political creed. I feel that in the end the Government will triumph, and that these great principles will be permanently established.

"In conclusion, gentlemen, let me say that I want your encouragement and countenance. I shall ask and rely upon you and others in carrying the Government through its present perils. I feel, in making this request, that it will be heartily responded to by you, and all other patriots and lovers of the rights and interests of a free people."

CHAPTER IX.

RECEPTION OF THE ILLINOIS DELEGATION.

On the 18th of April, 1865, a delegation of citizens of Illinois paid their respects to President Johnson, at his rooms in the Treasury Building.

Governor Oglesby presented the delegation, and made the subjoined address:—

"MR. PRESIDENT:-I take much pleasure in presenting to you this delegation of the citizens of Illinois, representing almost every portion of the State. We are drawn together by the mournful events of the past few days, to give some feeble expression to the feelings we, in common with the whole nation, realize as pressing us to the earth, by appropriate and respectful ceremonies. We thought it not inappropri ate before we should separate, even in this sad hour, to seek this interview with your Excellency, that, while the bleeding heart is pouring out its mournful anguish over the death of our beloved late President, the idol of our State and the pride of the whole country, we may earnestly express to you, the living head of this nation, our deliberate, full, and abiding confidence in you as the one who, in these dark hours,