CHAPTER XXVIII

Close of the Civil War--Last Acts in the Great Tragedy--Lincoln at the Front--A Memorable Meeting--Lincoln, Grant, Sherman, and Porter--Life on Shipboard--Visit to Petersburg--Lincoln and the Prisoners--Lincoln in Richmond--The Negroes Welcoming Their "Great Messiah"--A Warm Reception--Lee's Surrender--Lincoln Receives the News--Universal Rejoicing--Lincoln's Last Speech to the Public--His Feelings and Intentions toward the South--His Desire for Reconciliation