Such cases, of more often fugitive-slave matters, were not uncommon in
the State. Lincoln was already linked with the ultras on the question,
so that it was said by lawyers applied to, afraid as political
aspirants:


"Go to that Lincoln, the liberator; he will defend a fugitive-slave
case!"


* * * * *


LINCOLN'S VOW.

On the 17th of September, 1862, the Confederate inroad into Maryland
was stopped by the decisive defeat of Antietam, and the raiders were
sent to the retreat. Lincoln called the Cabinet to a special meeting,
and stated that the time had come at last for the proclamation of
freedom to the slaves everywhere in the United States. Public
sentiment would now sustain--after great vacillation, and all his
friends were bent upon it.

"Besides, I promised my God I would do it. Yea, I made a solemn vow
before God that, if General Lee was driven back from Pennsylvania,
I would crown the result by the declaration of freedom to the slave!"

It was remarked that the signature appeared tremulous and uneven, but
the writer affirmed that that was not "because of any uncertainty or
hesitation on my part."