Who wrote this?

[David Lockmiller]

On November 10, 1864, in response to a serenade from his supporters, President Lincoln began his short speech with this observation: "It has long been a grave question whether any government, not too strong for the liberties of its people, can be strong enough to maintain its own existence, in great emergencies."

That same day, a person wrote the following message and requested that it be conveyed to President Lincoln: "Congratulate the President for me for the double victory. . . . The election having passed off quietly, no bloodshed or riot throughout the land, is a victory worth more to the country than a battle won. Rebeldom and Europe will so construe it."

Who was this wise person?

No Googling, please.