February 6th, 1864.
I begin to feel quite certain that “the world does move.” The conviction is forced upon me by the fact that our Congress, the slowest of slow coaches, has actually begun to do what it should have done last year. Then look at Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas and Tennessee. The fires of war have lighted up these dark places, and the people begin to see the hideousness of their cherished institution. Like true patriots they have set themselves at work to make their country what its vain boast has been—a land of freedom. I have become more firmly convinced, every day, that when this war ends slavery will not exist. The States I have mentioned will be free within a year.
