(1) Introduction - Lincoln's Second Inaugural, March 4, 1865

   The mixed crowd of white and black people who attended Lincoln’s second inauguration, March 4, 1865 represented a dramatic and abrupt change in the United States.  People at previous gatherings would have been shocked because 1865 was the first time in the nation’s seventy-six year history that Black Americans were included in the celebration.  They showed the excitement and enthusiasm of the newly invited as they lined Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House to the Capitol. The military parade included formidable black units.  More people stood on the mall to hear the Inaugural Address.  They pointed proudly at the recently completed dome on top of the capitol building.  People were aware that they were about to witness an importnat moment in history.  
   A distinctive man stood out in the crowd.  Taller, more stiff and focused than most, he was an easily recognized celebrity.  Those standing close to him wanted to respect his privacy but they sensed an opportunity for a personal encounter.  They would tell the story for the rest of their lives.  Still, his reputation for formality and severe countenance did not invite a casual touch on the arm and "how ya doin?"  So the not entirely meek around him tried to get him, to come to them.  They spoke louder than usual and engaged in what they hoped was provocative conversation.     

   "It feels like things are picking up for the first time since the victories at Vicksburg and Gettysburg two years ago.  Grant’s army is close to Richmond and Sherman is cutting through the South.  Those rebels are not feeling so good about starting this war anymore."

   "I hear that 180,000 black men have enlisted in the army and they are performing admirably in battle. The war will soon be over.   The death of over one half million soldiers will not be for naught."

   The celebrity did not respond.

   One man, more emotional than the rest forgot that their conversation was a game to get the celebrity engaged.  He spoke with genuine anger and frustration, "What about those black soldiers, what about the slaves, what will Lincoln and his gang do about them?"

   That one hit the target.  

   Frederick Douglass, escaped slave, radical abolitionist and consultant to the President of the United States turned.  They looked directly at him.  He was physically imposing and intense.  To those who did not know him he was very serious and direct.  His appearance suggested that he would deliver an emotional response but he had been provoked for much of his life and knew how to control himself.  He was even and articulate.  He had their complete attention.  

   "An amendment to the constitution to abolish slavery, an outrageous consideration four years ago, is well on its way to becoming law.  The nation is putting its house in order.  Many in the north accepted the war for the purpose of preserving the union but many others fought because of slavery; certainly most in the south did so.  And now the abolition of slavery is also a mandate from which the majority of those in the north will not retreat.  This government, this president will not retreat.  I will not allow it."  
   There was a silent moment for those who heard him while the experience was memorized and their attention returned to the larger world.  They recognized that they had a story to tell for the rest of their lives.  No one responded.

   Douglass turned back to the podium

  

    Lincoln gave the Inaugural Address and the crowd on the mall dispersed.   Citizens were traditionally invited to greet the President at the White House after the inaugural.  Five thousand  lined up for the privilege.  The White House and its inhabitants were formal for the occasion.  It was crowded with the nation’s elite and with the public, happy for the opportunity to share a few words with the President. 
   Lincoln was pleased with the day and unusually so with his address; he looked forward to meeting with the public.