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LIFE AND TIMES OF FREDERICK DOUGLASS 281

rebel States, beyond the lines of our armies, and carry the news of emancipation,
and urge the slaves to come within our boundaries.

This plan, however, was very soon rendered unnecessary by the success
of the war in the Wilderness and elsewhere, and by its termination in the
complete abolition of slavery.

I refer to this conversation because I think it is evidence conclusive on
Mr. Lincoln's part that the proclamation, so far at least as he was concerned,
was not effected merely as a "necessity."

An incident occurred during this interview which illustrates the character
of this great man, though the mention of it may savor a little of vanity on
my part. While in conversation with him his Secretary twice announced
"Governor Buckingham of Connecticut," one of the noblest and most patriotic
of the loyal Governors. Mr. Lincoln said, "Tell Governor Buckingham
to wait, for I want to have a long talk with my friend Frederick Douglass." I
interposed, and begged him to see the Governor at once, as I could wait; but
no, he persisted. He wanted to talk with me, and Governor Buckingham
could wait. This was probably the first time in the history of this Republic
when its chief magistrate found occasion or disposition to exercise such an
act of impartiality between persons so widely different in their positions and
supposed claims upon his attention. From the manner of the Governor, when
he was finally admitted, I inferred that he was as well satisfied with what Mr.
Lincoln had done, or had omitted to do, as I was.

I have often said elsewhere what I wish to repeat here, that Mr. Lincoln
was not only a great President, but a GREAT MAN — too great to be small in
anything. In his company I was never in any way reminded of my humble
origin, or of my unpopular color. While I am, as it may seem, bragging of
the kind consideration which I have reason to believe that Mr. Lincoln entertained
towards me. I may mention one thing more. At the door of my friend
John A. Gray, where I was stopping in Washington. I found one afternoon
the carriage of Secretary Dole, and a messenger from President Lincoln with
an invitation for me to take tea with him at the Soldiers' Home, where he
then passed his nights, riding out after the business of the day was over at
the Executive Mansion. Unfortunately I had an engagement to speak that
evening, and having made it one of the rules of my conduct in life never to
break an engagement if possible to keep it. I felt obliged to decline the honor.
I have often regretted that I did not make this an exception to my general
rule. Could I have known that no such opportunity could come to me again,
I should have justified myself in disappointing a large audience for the sake
of such a visit with Abraham Lincoln.