But, above all, we have to
thank God for those great victories in the field, which are bringing
this great contest to a successful conclusion.
This rebellion is indeed the most stupendous in history. It absorbs the
attention and affects the political institutions and material interests
of the world. The armies engaged exceed those of Napoleon. Death never
had such a carnival, and each week consumes millions of treasure. Great
is the sacrifice, but the cause is peerless and sublime. (_Cheers._) If
God has placed us in the van of the great contest for the rights and
liberties of man, if he has assigned us the post of danger and of
suffering, it is that of unfading glory and imperishable renown. (_Loud
cheers._) The question with us, which is so misunderstood here, is that
of national unity (_hear, hear_), which is the vital element of our
existence; and any settlement which does not secure this with the entire
integrity of the Union, and freedom throughout all its borders, will be
treason to our country and to mankind. (_Loud cheers._) To acknowledge
the absurd and anarchical doctrine of secession, as is demanded of us
here, to abdicate the power of self-preservation, and permit the Union
to be dissolved, is ruin, disgrace, and suicide. There is but one
alternative--we must and will fight it out to the last. (_Loud and
prolonged applause._) If need be, all who can bear arms must take the
field, and leave to those who cannot the pursuits of industry.
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