slavery. They were in sympathy with rebellion, but wore the semblance of allegiance
and with consequential airs assumed to dictate the policy of the President.
He was greatly embarrassed. He made them every kind and conciliatory offer,
but all was refused. Slavery on the gulf and on the border, in Charleston and
in Louisville, was the same intolerant, incurable enemy of the Union. He struck
it at last. The Proclamation of Emancipation came, followed in due time by the
recommendation that the Constitution be so amended as forever to render slavery
impossible in State or Territory. For these acts, he was arraigned before the
American people on the 8th of last November, and received their emphatic approval.
In a letter written to a citizen of Kentucky, the President gave an exposition
of his policy so transparent, that I reproduce it in this place. It is his sufficient
explanation and vindication.
Executive Mansion, Washington, April 4, 1864.
A. G. Hodges, Esq., Frankfort, Ky.
