For many observers then and afterward,
the only North discernible that fateful Sabbath was an enraged,
defiant, impulsive nation, forgetful for the moment of all its
differences, and uniting all its voices in one hoarse cry for
vengeance. There seemed to be no other thought. Lincoln gave it
formal utterance, that same day, by assembling his Cabinet and
drawing up a proclamation which called for 75,000 volunteer
troops.
An incident of this day which is as significant historically as
any other was on the surface no more than a friendly talk between
two men. Douglas called at the White House. For nearly two
hours he and Lincoln conferred in private. Hitherto it had been
a little uncertain what course Douglas was going to take. In the
Senate, though condemning disunion, he had opposed war. Few
matters can have troubled Lincoln more deeply than the question
which way Douglas's immense influence would be thrown. The
question was answered publicly in the newspapers of Monday, April
15th. Douglas announced that while he was still "unalterably
opposed to the Administration on all its political issues, he was
prepared to sustain the President in the exercise of all his
constitutional functions to preserve the Union, and maintain the
Government, and defend the federal capital.
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