By the President, ABRAHAM LINCOLN. WILLIAM H. SEWARD, _Secretary of State_. A true copy, with the autograph signatures of the President and the Secretary of State. JOHN G. NICOLAY, _Priv. Sec. to the President_. The excitement caused by the appearance of the proclamation of September 22nd, 1862, was very great. The anti-slavery men rejoiced as at the end of a dreadful struggle; those who had doubted became at once strong and confident. Whatever trials and troubles might be in store, all felt assured, even the Copperheads or rebel sympathisers, that slavery was virtually at an end. The newspapers teemed with gratulations. The following poem, which was the first written on the proclamation, or on the day on which it appeared, and which was afterwards published in the “Continental Magazine,” expresses the feeling with which it was generally received. THE PROCLAMATION.--SEPT. 22, 1862. Now who has done the greatest deed Which History has ever known? And who in Freedom’s direst need Became her bravest champion? Who a whole continent set free? Who killed the curse and broke the ban Which made a lie of liberty?-- You, Father Abraham--you’re the man! The deed is done. Millions have yearned To see the spear of Freedom cast The dragon roared and writhed and burned: You’ve smote him full and square at last O Great and True! _you_ do not know-- You cannot tell--you cannot feel How far through time your name must go, Honoured by all men, high or low, Wherever Freedom’s votaries kneel. This wide world talks in many a tongue-- This world boasts many a noble state; In all your praises will be sung-- In all the great will call you great. Freedom! where’er that word is known-- On silent shore, by sounding sea, ‘Mid millions, or in deserts lone-- Your noble name shall ever be. The word is out, the deed is done, The spear is cast, dread no delay; When such a steed is fairly gone, Fate never fails to find a way. Hurrah! hurrah! the track is clear, We know your policy and plan; We’ll stand by you through every year; Now, Father Abraham, you’re our man.