Abraham Lincoln’s 2nd inaugural address in 1865 captured the nation’s trauma over the Civil War & its hopes for the future. It is remembered by his immortal phrase, “with malice toward none, with charity for all.” The Library’s Civil War historian Michelle Krowl explains. | The Library of Congress

Nearing the end of a bloody and tragic Civil War, Abraham Lincoln delivered one of his most famous speeches—his second inaugural address on March 4, 1865. Quoting from the Gospels and Psalm 19, he said: "but let us not judge that we be not judged. The Almighty has his own purposes. Fervently do we pray—that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away. Yet if God wills that it continue. . .and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash shall be paid by another. . .so still it must be sai