General John W. Geary

[David Lockmiller]

Hay recorded that the president “was most agreeable and genial all the evening.”
Lincoln still felt anxious about Illinois, which did not report good news till 1 a.m.
An hour later, when a group of Pennsylvanians serenaded him, Lincoln replied with what
Noah Brooks called “one of the happiest and noblest little speeches of his life.” The
president emphasized to his well-wishers the significance of the election: “I earnestly
believe that the consequences of this day's work . . . will be to the lasting advantage, if
not to the very salvation, of the country.” All those “who have labored to-day in behalf of
the Union organization, have wrought for the best interests of their country and the world,
not only for the present, but for all future ages. I am thankful to God for this approval of
the people.” Yet Lincoln would not gloat: though “deeply grateful for this mark of their
confidence in me, if I know my heart, my gratitude is free from any taint of personal
triumph. I do not impugn the motives of any one opposed to me. It is no pleasure to me to
triumph over any one; but I give thanks to the Almighty for this evidence of the people's
resolution to stand by free government and the rights of humanity.” According to Hay,
the president spoke “with rather unusual dignity and effect.”

Lincoln won 55.4% of the popular vote and carried all states save Kentucky,
Delaware, and New Jersey, making the electoral college margin 212 to 21.

Abraham Lincoln: A Life, Vol. Two, Chap. 34, Page 723.