CHAPTER XXVII.
Lincoln's Second Presidential Term--His Attitude toward it--Rival Candidates for the Nomination--Chase's Achillean Wrath--Harmony Restored--The Baltimore Convention--Decision "not to Swap Horses while Crossing a Stream"-- The Summer of 1864--Washington again Threatened--Lincoln under Fire--Unpopular Measures--The President's Perplexities and Trials--The Famous Letter "To Whom It May Concern"-- Little Expectation of Re-election--Dangers of Assassination--A Thrilling Experience--Lincoln's Forced Serenity--"The Saddest Man in the World"-- A Break in the Clouds--Lincoln Vindicated by Re-election--Cheered and Reassured--More Trouble with Chase--Lincoln's Final Disposal of Him--The President's Fourth Annual Message--His Position toward the Rebellion and Slavery Reaffirmed--Colored Folks' Reception at the White House--Passage of the Amendment Prohibiting Slavery--Lincoln and the Southern Peace Commissioners--The Meeting in Hampton Roads--Lincoln's Impression of A.H.

Stephens--The Second Inauguration--Second Inaugural Address--"With Malice toward None, with Charity for All"-- An Auspicious Omen.