Even in this most brilliant of gatherings, Frederick Douglass was an impressive figure. He was faultlessly groomed. His magnificent head towered over any crowd, and he moved with poise and dignity. It is no wonder that the President saw him standing in line among the others.
“Ah! Here comes my friend Douglass,” Lincoln said playfully.
Taking Douglass by the hand he said, “I saw you in the crowd today, listening to my speech. Did you like it?”
Douglass smiled, a little embarrassed. He had no desire to hold up the line.
“Mr. Lincoln, I mustn’t detain you with my opinions,” he almost whispered. “There are a thousand people waiting to shake hands with you.”
Lincoln was in an almost jovial mood that evening. He laughed softly.
“Nonsense,” he said, “stop a little, Douglass. There’s no man in the country whose opinion I value more than yours. I really want to know what you thought of it.”
Douglass tried to tell him. In the years to come he wished he had found better words.
“Mr. Lincoln, your words today were sacred,” he said. “They will never die.”
Lincoln seemed satisfied. His face lit up.