Lincoln looked much the same as ever. The preposterously long limbs were as prominent as when he had his photograph taken at Mathew Brady’s studio in Manhattan. The earnest but pained expression was there, as had been the case for so many years. And, as ever, Lincoln looked as if he needed a good tailor: his clothes did not fit well.

Lincoln sounded a little different than usual. There was more twang and emotion in his voice, and he seemed at times to plead with the audience to stay with him. He need not have worried. The words, which came out during a speech of three minutes, had the power to reshape the people and the nation.