Martin F.
Conway came from the youngest State of the Union, fresh from the contests which had made Kansas almost a field of war.
The organization of the House was so promptly effected that the President's message was received on the same day.

Throughout the country there was an eagerness to hear Mr.Lincoln's views on the painful situation.

The people had read with deep sympathy the tender plea to the South contained in his Inaugural address.

The next occasion on which they had heard from him officially was his proclamation for troops after the fall of Sumter.

Public opinion in the North would undoubtedly be much influenced by what the President should now say.