“By the President.
“Wm. H. Seward, Secretary of State.”
This was the beginning of a new era: the word had gone forth, and a policy was adopted.
“The deed is done. Millions have yearned
To see the spear of Freedom cast:
The dragon writhed and roared and burned;
You’ve smote him full and square at last.”
The proclamation gave new life and vigor to our men on the battle-field. The bondmen everywhere caught up the magic word, and went with it from farm to farm, and from town to town. Black men flocked to recruiting stations, and offered themselves for the war. Everybody saw light in the distance. What newspapers and orators had failed to do in months was done by the proclamation in a single week. Frances Ellen Harper, herself colored, cheered in the following strain:—
“It shall flash through coming ages;
It shall light the distant years;