Alexandria Gazette

FRED. DOUGLAS, in his late speech in New York, gave the following account of the recent interview with President Lincoln: "Probably some of them would like to know how 'the black man was received at the White House?' He received me," continued the speaker, "for all another—(shouts of laughter)—with the hand the world just as you see one gentleman receive and the voice of welcome; not too cordially nor too coldly, but just the right thing: and I made myself quite at home in his presence. — One thing I told him then which I now tell you; and it was, that if I were called upon to point out the most discouraging feature of the present situation, it would not be any of our forces, but it would be the tardiness and the distress experienced by flood and field by hesitation and vacillation of the president of the United States.

Mr. Lincoln did not, of course, admit that this came from me, but went on at once to defend himself from the charges brought—and there was one charge he did not defend himself from at all. He admitted that he was slow but would not allow it to be understood that he was vacillating. He said to me, with great earnestness, "Mr. Douglass, I don't think that charge can be sustained." Think of the President of the United States addressing a black man as Mr. Douglass. (Laughter.)— "Vascillation," says he, "I don't think that can be sustained, sir." (Laughter). He moved his hand back and forth as he said, "Vascillation." "I don't think that charge can be sustained." (Cheers.) But he, when I take a position I think no man can say that I ever retreat."

But his warm heart and high feelings, the speaker continued to say, did not control Mr. Lincoln's utterances. It was policy, policy prudence, prudence with him.