Abraham Lincoln, who purports to be the Union's Commander-in-Chief, promised today to provide details about the war effort.
But instead of dwelling on specifics, he laced the crowning speech of his Presidency with the type of rhetorical flourishes that Southerners mock and few cheer. The country saw a President confident in his existing formula: say a few words of cold comfort, and leave the important speeches to others.
Of course, no one can follow Edward Everett at the podium and expect a fair comparison, and Mr. Lincoln did provide a specific or two.
He supplied context for the dedication of the Gettysburg Cemetery, saying, "We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this."
But most of his address echoed and amplified the theme that dominates his Government's thinking on the matter: that the war have some larger purpose -- a purpose which Mr. Lincoln kept vague in his short oration.
Mr. Lincoln's aides have long complained that he receives little credit for his nods to posterity. "The people will remember this speech, even though Mr. Everett spoke for two hours," one complained, somewhat defensively.
Even if Mr. Lincoln had talked for three hours, of course, he could not have quieted all his critics. But that's not the strategy.
Allies such as Secretary Stanton will doubtlessly defend his approach. "Say what needs to be said, and do it well," he said in advance of the actual speech.
He said Lincoln will be criticized no matter what. They will argue that his lofty speeches lack substance and details, she said, and a detailed speech that scrimps on soaring rhetoric will prove "he has lost his gift."
Mr. Lincoln seemed to say, This is what I believe; criticize it all you want.