One eighth of the whole population were colored slaves, not distributed generally over the Union, but localized in the Southern part of it. These slaves constituted a peculiar and powerful interest. All knew that this interest was, somehow, the cause of the war. To strengthen, perpetuate, and
extend this interest was the object for which the insurgents would rend the Union, even by war; while the government claimed no right to do more
than to restrict the territorial enlargement of it. Neither party expected for the war, the magnitude, or the duration, which it has already attained.
Neither anticipated that the cause of the conflict might cease with, or even before, the conflict itself should cease. Each looked for an easier
triumph, and a result less fundamental and astounding. Both read the same Bible, and pray to the same God; and each invokes His aid against the
other. It may seem strange that any men should dare to ask a just God's assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men's faces;
but let us judge not that we be not judged. The prayers of both could not be answered; that of neither has been answered fully.
Fondly do we hope - fervently do we pray - that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away. Yet, if God wills that it continue, until all the
wealth piled by the bond-man's two hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash,
shall be paid by another drawn with the sword, as was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be said "the judgments of the Lord, are true
and righteous altogether"