Washington is in a thrill.  It is expected that the crack of a rifle from a tree or a housetop will fell the tall Lincoln from Illinois, as he faces the crowd to take the oath of office.  But all was peace.  The South only intended to go its way and let Lincoln do what he could, if anything.  I stood with the rapt mass close to the stand where I could see every face on the platform.  Lincoln came, Douglas came.  Douglas was giving notice to the country that he was hand in hand with Lincoln for the Union.

Lincoln has no place to put his tall silk hat, brand new for this occasion.  Douglas, gallantly not seriously, thoughtfully not showily, with grace and taste, takes Lincoln’s hat and holds it while Lincoln reads his inaugural address.

Lincoln is now becomingly dressed.  He is past fifty-two; no gray hairs, no beard, looks clean shaven and youthful, like a man of thirty, prematurely old.  He is swarthy, wrinkled.  He is powerful, rested, self-possessed, masterful.  The cadence of his voice is full of kindness and conciliation.  Its rhythms speak in sympathy and respect for the feelings of every one.  Some of his words move me like great music.  He says in closing so clearly, so beautifully, sounding as of silver trumpets blown by archangels: 

“The mystic chords of memory stretching from every battle field and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land will yet swell the chorus of the Union when again touched, as surely they will be touched, by the better angels of our nature.”

I see Pinturicchio in his face.  I hear the reverberations of Beethoven’s dreams in his voice.  This man is kindred to the greatest souls.

I know about the mystic chords myself.  I have been in battle.  I fought for Texas.  Be that cause good or bad, it has now blossomed in me for the Union.  I have followed Douglas for nationalism and progress.  I am still with him, and the more so because Douglas is with Lincoln.

The crowd is moved.  The great event is over.  The railsplitter has disappeared to that house of state from whence he shall never emerge carefree and happy.  And Douglas goes to consult with him, to aid him.

Lincoln depends now on Douglas, cannot dispense with him.  They have known each other for a quarter of a century, in that Illinois of the West which Douglas prophesied would hold the balance of power in any crisis of the North and the South.  That prophecy is fulfilled.  It would have been fulfilled by giving Douglas to the Presidency.  It had given Lincoln instead; and the prophecy is fulfilled.

Lincoln shows to Douglas his call for 75,000 men to put down the rebellion.  Douglas approves of the wording of the order, but says it should call for 200,000 men.  He knows the South!

“What do you wish me to do?” he asked Lincoln.  Lincoln thinks it would be well if Douglas used his great influence to appeal to doubtful sections, or wavering peoples.  In obedience to this suggestion Douglas sets off for Illinois.