CHAPTER XXX

Abraham Lincoln and the Work of Emancipation

Lincoln's Increasing Fame--Comparison With Washington--The Slave Auction at New Orleans--"If I Ever Get a Chance to Hit Slavery, I Will Hit it Hard"--The Young Politician--Elected Representative to Congress--His Opposition to Slavery--His Famous Debates With Douglas--The Cooper Institute Speech--The Campaign of 1860--The Surprise of Lincoln's Nomination--His Triumphant Election--Threats of Secession--Firing on Sumter--The Dark Days of the War--The Emancipation Question--The Great Proclamation--End of the War--The Great Tragedy--The Beauty and Greatness of His Character 436