I made a solemn vow before God that, if General @Lee was driven back from @Pennsylvania, I would crown the result by the declaration of freedom to the slave!"
People said that his signature appeared hesitant and uneven. However, Lincoln assured them that was not "because of any uncertainty or hesitation on my part." He told the painter of the "Signing the Emancipation Act," Mr. @Carpenter, "I believe that I am about as glad over the success of this work as you are!"
The original document was destroyed in the great fire at @Chicago, where it was on display. The pen and the table it was written on are in the Lincoln Museum. The ink-stand was a wooden one, in private hands. It was bought at public sale when Lincoln relics were not at the current high price.
