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LIFE AND TIMES OF FREDERICK DOUGLASS 287

Lincoln stood, in his grand simplicity, and home-like beauty. Recognizing
me, even before I reached him, he exclaimed, so that all around could hear
him, "Here comes my friend Douglass." Taking me by the hand, he said, "I
am glad to see you. I saw you in the crowd to-day, listening to my inaugural
address; how did you like it?" I said, "Mr. Lincoln, I must not detain you
with my poor opinion, when there are thousands waiting to shake hands with
you." "No. no,'' he said, "you must stop a little, Douglass; there is no man in
the country whose opinion I value more than yours. I want to know what you
think of it." I replied, "Mr. Lincoln, that was a sacred effort." "I am glad you
liked it!" he said, and I passed on, feeling that any man, however distinguished,
might well regard himself honored by such expressions, from such
a man.

It came out that the officers at the White House had received no orders
from Mr. Lincoln. or from any one else. They were simply complying with
an old custom, the outgrowth of slavery, as dogs will sometimes rub their
necks, long after their collars are removed, thinking they are still there. My
colored friends were well pleased with what had seemed to them a doubtful
experiment, and I believe were encouraged by its success to follow my
example. I have found in my experience that the way to break down an
unreasonahlc custom, is to contradict it in practice. To be sure in pursuing
this course I have had to contend not merely with the white race, but with
the black. The one has condemned me for my presumption in daring to associate
with them, and the other for pushing myself where they take it for
granted I am not wanted. I am pained to think that the latter objection springs
largely from a consciousness of inferiority, for as colors alone can have nothing
against each other, and the conditions of human association are founded
upon character rather than color, and character depends upon mind and morals,
there can be nothing blame-worthy in people thus equal meeting each
other on the plain of civil or social rights.

A series of important events followed soon after the second inauguration
of Mr. Lincoln, conspicuous amongst which was the fall of Richmond. The
strongest endeavor, and the best generalship of the Rebellion was employed
to hold that place, and when it fell the pride, prestige, and power of the rebellion
fell with it. never to rise again. The news of this great event found me
again in Boston. The enthusiasm of that loyal City cannot be easily described.
As usual when anything touches the great heart of Boston, Faneuil Hall
became vocal and eloquent. This Hall is an immense building, and its history
is correspondingly great. It has been the theatre of much patriotic declamation from the
days of the "Revolution" and before; as it has since my day