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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

presidency, it seemed that the better days for the republic were come; for surely much was to be expected from his enlarged mind, his great soul, and his long training in statecraft. He laid his strong hand upon the wheel, and he is gone. It is his own thought that men affect but for a little while our institutions; that like the raindrops, they may pass through the shining bow and add to its lustre; but when they have sunk the proud arch still in glory spans the sky. May it prove to be true. “Put him up higher!” cried a voice, when he arose to speak in the Chicago convention. The voice proved to be that of a prophet. It is a consolation to the American people now that he is being mourned as ruler never was before, to know that in that higher sphere to which he has been raised, he is at last at rest from the bitter pain and the hopeless struggle.

The Historical Society of Pennsylvania, upon the day of his funeral, when every city in the land is draped in black, and all trade is suspended, notes this brief outline of his career and meagre sketch of his character.