I learn that the Confederate forces plan to invade Wilmington tomorrow at noon.
I learn that I have assumed dictatorial powers.
I read that the Confederacy has 220,000 men under arms.
Tomorrow the Cabinet meets... I will point out some of these items to my Secretary of War, my Secretary of State, my Secretary of the Treasury.
February 5, 1864
I think that my strength as wrestler, ox driver, and rail splitter helps me. I channel it into my cabinet meetings, office hours, discussions, late hours. Chase, Sumner, Seward, Trumbul, Usher—each receives some of that energy. I repeat that the dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate for the stormy present. I re-affirm that we must act anew. We must continually disenthrall ourselves.
Fellow citizens...we of this Congress...ours is a mutual concern at this time...
And at all times there is someone who wishes to enter by the back door, who has a special message or a letter of prime importance...
Some of my friends predict a final cataclysm; some believe that by wheedling we can conquer; some voice the old voice of the abolitionists; some offer a packet of new tricks; theirs is a jack-in-the-box credibility.