"If the loyal people, united, were put to the utmost of their strength by the rebellion, must they not fail when divided, and partially paralized, by a political war among themselves?"
"But the election was a necessity."
"We can not have free government without elections; and if the rebellion could force us to forego, or postpone a national election, it might fairly claim to have already conquered and ruined us."
"Human-nature will not change."
"But the election, along with its incidental, and undesirable strife, has done good too."
"It has demonstrated that a people's government can sustain a national election, in the midst of a great civil war."
"But the rebellion continues; and now that the election is over, may not all, having a common interest, re-unite in a common effort, to save our common country?"
"While I am deeply sensible to the high compliment of a re-election; and duly grateful, as I trust, to Almighty God for having directed my countrymen to a right conclusion, as I think, for their own go..."
"May I ask those who have not differed with me, to join with me, in this same spirit towards those who have?"
"And now, let me close by asking three hearty cheers for our brave soldiers and seamen and their gallant and skilful commanders."
"I earnestly believe that the consequences of this day's work, if it be as you assure me and as now seems probable, will be to the lasting advantage, if not to the very salvation, of the country."
"I am thankful to God for this approval of the people."