George L. Stearns, about July 22, 1861

It is the first step toward the emancipation. If we had won a decisive victory, in less than six months the rebellious states would be back in the Union, the government would be out-voted in Congress, and we should have all our work to do over again.

SOURCE: Preston Stearns, The Life and Public Services of George Luther Stearns, p. 254