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Uncle Abe's Speech.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 24 — A large crowd assembled at the executive mansion to-night for the purpose of serenading the president, who, having been cheered and called, appeared at an upper window, and spoke as follows.
FELLOW CITIZENS: I appear before you to do little more than acknowledge the courtesy you pay me, and thank you for it. I have not been distinctly informed why it is on this occasion you appear to do me this honor, though I suppose it is because of the proclamation. I was about to say I supposed — I understand it. [Laughter. Voices — "That you do;" "You thoroughly understand it."] What I did I did after a very full deliberation, and under a very heavy and solemn sense of the responsibility. [Applause, and cries of "good," "good," "God bless you."] I can only trust in God I have made no mistake. [Cries — "no mistake," "all right," "you have made no mistake yet," "go ahead, you're right."] I shall make no attempt on this occasion to sustain what I have done or said, by any comment. It is now for the country and the world to pass judgment upon it, and maybe take action upon it. I will say no more upon this subject. In my position I am environed with difficulties, yet they are scarcely so great as the difficulties of those who, upon the battle field are endeavoring to purchase with their blood and their lives the future happiness and prosperity of this country. [Applause.] Let us never forget them.
On the 14th and 17th of this present month there have been battles fought. We do not yet know the particulars. Let us be sure that in giving praise to particular persons we do no injustice to others. I only ask you at the conclusion of these few remarks to give three hearty cheers to all good and brave officers and men who fought those successful battles.
Cheer after cheer was given, when the president bade the crowd good night and withdrew.