Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln. Volume 8. Lincoln, Abraham,
1809-1865. February 1, 1865  The President said he supposed the
passage through Congress of the Constitutional amendment for the
abolishment of Slavery throughout the United States, was the
occasion to which he was indebted for the honor of this call.
[Applause.] The occasion was one of congratulation to the
country and to the whole world. But there is a task yet before
us---to go forward and consummate by the votes of the States
that which Congress so nobly began yesterday. [Applause and
cries---``They will do it,'' &c.] He had the honor to inform
those present that Illinois had already to-day done the
work. [2] [Applause.] Maryland was about half through; but he
felt proud that Illinois was a little ahead. He thought this
measure was a very fitting if not an indispensable adjunct to
the winding up of the great difficulty. He wished the reunion of
all the States perfected and so effected as to remove all causes
of disturbance in the future; and