96                                  HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT O.V.V.I.

interfering with slavery, is an absurdity which would be only taking the effect and leaving the cause. It would be as possible to obliterate every feeling of independence and freedom from the people of the North, as to make a loyal people in the South, leaving the institution of slavery undisturbed. You cannot render nugatory its effects by any teachings, compromises, or by and principles of mental science. As well make a mocking-bird out of a moccasin snake, or make the substance of opposite affinities unite.

           From this arises the wisdom of the Emancipation Proclamation, which was the key that turned all our efforts into success, and opened the doors of victory and complete success to our arms.

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