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niche you filled in my heart and memory until the dreary silence fell upon us. But then I knew; for my heart ached toward you, and for the restoration of the old kindling and bountiful companionship. And now I give God thanks, who did not suffer my heart to ache in vain. Since last we talked together what a change has been wrought in all our public affairs. The passage of the Constitutional Amendment, its ratification by many states, exchange of Negro soldiers by the rebels on the basis of man for man, the defeat of Hood, the dazzling march of Sherman, the successive victories of Savannah and Columbia & Charleston & Wilmington. In what a sublime crescendo of triumph the Union cause increases. - We are drawing nigh unto the end: the end of war, the beginning of peace and of long endless ascents and transfigurations into all beatific grandness and greatness. We touched hell in our downward lapse: we shall touch heaven and the floors of God in our upward growing. Have you read Whittiers grand song "Laus Deo?" For it is a grand song, and Whittier is a grand singer; anointed prophet and high-priest in garb of modern Quaker. - We are to have a celebration here on Saturday night, March 4th, to congratulate each other on the promising aspect of affairs; and - wonder of wonders, I who am a life-long Abolitionist have been invited by the Committee, some of whom were rabid secessionists in '61 and '2 - to "make a speech." - I shall