Mr.Lincoln was keenly alive to the importance of his message, and he weighed every word he wrote.

He maintained, as he always did, calmness of tone, moderation in expression.

He appealed to reason, not to prejudice.

He spoke as one who knew that he would be judged by the public opinion of the world.

It was his fortune to put his name to many state papers of extraordinary weight, but never to one of graver import than his first message to Congress.
PRESIDENT LINCOLN'S FIRST MESSAGE.
The President informed Congress that he would not call their attention "to any ordinary subject of legislation." In fact there were but two things for Congress to do in the national exigency-- provide for the enlistment of an army, and for the raising of money necessary to the conduct of a great war.