He was transported. Time and again, Lincoln had been required to rein himself in, to stay cautiously optimistic. Now, however, he knew the end result.

Lincoln quickly confirmed all that Grant had done: there would be no take-back of the generous terms that were offered at Appomattox. Lincoln then turned his attention to the thousand and one details that required his attention. There were bills and checks to sign and orders to be sent. Lincoln was anxious that General Sherman catch and force General Johnston to surrender, making a complete sweep of all the Confederate armies. But there was celebration, too, as well as an acknowledgment of all that had transpired. Considering all that could have happened, it was an amazing admission that so much had gone well. As he made his plans, Lincoln expressed his desire to go to the theatre that weekend. His first choice for companions was General and Mrs. Grant.