The history of the world shows no example of a man upon whom extraordinary public duties and perilous responsibilities were so suddenly thrust.

No antecedent training had apparently fitted him for his work; no experience in affairs had given assurance that he could master a situation which demanded an unprecedented expenditure of treasure, which involved the control of armies larger than the fabled host of Xerxes, which developed questions of state-craft more delicate and more difficult than those which had baffled the best minds in Europe.
Under the inspiration of the message, and in strict accordance with its recommendations, Congress proceeded to its work.

No legislation was attempted, none was even seriously suggested, except measures relating to the war.

In no other session of Congress was so much accomplished in so brief a time.

Convening on the fourth day of July, both Houses adjourned finally on the 6th of August.