So there could be no important legislation from the summer of 1866 until March, 1869, that did not command the assent of two thirds of both Houses.
Yet the feeling everywhere among the Republicans in Washington and throughout the North was of exultant and confident courage.
The strength of the Nation had been tried and not found wanting.
It had overthrown a mighty rebellion.

The burden of slavery, which had hung like a millstone about the neck of the Republic, had been thrown off.

Congress had been triumphant in its contest with the President.

The loyal people of the country looked to Grant with an almost superstitious hope.

They were prepared to expect almost any miracle from the great genius who had subdued the rebellion, and conducted without failure military operations on a scale of which the world up to that time had had no experience.