The day of jubilee had come—“the greatest day,” said one, “since the Resurrection.”

The welcome news of “Peace” spread over the land with the rapidity of light, and flashed under the ocean to foreign countries, where glad millions joined in festivities over the end of the conflict and the triumph of freedom. As when Cornwallis surrendered, and the War of Independence was over, the people became wild with joy; so the news—Lee has surrendered—awaked almost frantic demonstrations of delight. All modes of expressing exultation were inadequate, and yet all were employed. Sextons rushed to the churches to ring the bells; gunners added the peal of cannon; acquaintances met in the streets and embraced each other; some wept, others laughed, all were jubilant. Never before were so many bells rung together, so many cannon fired, so many shouts of victory raised, so many bands of music waked, so many banners waved, and so many bonfires and illuminations kindled, to celebrate the return of peace and the nation saved.

The praise of Lincoln was on every lip, and has continued to be from that day to the present time. The nation delights to honour his memory, and one of the recent acts of the National Government is a tribute to his memory by a generous increase of his widow’s pension.

Mr. Lincoln had accomplished the purpose of his administration—He had crushed the Rebellion and saved the Union.

Charles Sumner said of President Lincoln’s administration: “The corner-stone of National Independence is already in its place, and on it is inscribed the name of George Washington. There is another stone which must have its place at the corner also. This is the Declaration of Independence, with all its promises fulfilled. On this stone we will gratefully inscribe the name of Abraham Lincoln.

“Each was at the head of the Republic during a period of surpassing trial; and each thought only of the public good, simply, purely, constantly, so that single-hearted devotion to country will always find a synonym in their names. Each was the national chief during a time of successful war. Each was the representative of his country at a great epoch of history.

“The part which Lincoln was called upon to perform resembled in character the part which was performed by Washington. The work left undone by Washington was continued by Lincoln. Kindred in service, kindred in patriotism, each was naturally surrounded at death by kindred homage.”