Abraham Lincoln said...

But there is a task yet before us---to go forward and consummate by the votes of the States that which Congress so nobly...

But that proclamation falls far short of what the amendment will be when fully consummated.

Say to the gentlemen I will meet them personally at Fortress Monroe as soon as I can get there.

He wished the reunion of all the States perfected and so effected as to remove all causes of disturbance in the future;