Nonetheless, Lincoln was relieved that the future finally looked bright for the Union. General William T. Sherman had completed his march to the sea, and such Confederate strongholds as Atlanta, Savannah, and Charleston had fallen to the North. Lincoln was now forming a plan for national reconstruction - which, as he told the attending throng, included forgiveness toward the South.

“With malice toward none; with charity toward all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds,” Lincoln urged. He went on to plead for Americans “to do all which may achieve a just, and a lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations.”

That evening, Lincoln attended his Inaugural Ball…where the shy and socially awkward President was suddenly thrust into the limelight and the social whirl of Washington D.C. Many young ladies were charmed and honored to dance with “Honest Abe.”

Lincoln was surprised that he was elected to a second term, considering the strong emotions that surrounded the Civil War. However, the success of the Union army in the war had done much to enhance Lincoln’s position - but most importantly, his second presidential victory was a testimony to his gentle strength and love for all humanity.