[333]This spirituality can best be seen in his second inaugural address, considered by some scholars[334] as the greatest such address in American history, and by Lincoln himself as his own greatest speech, or one of them at the very least.[n][335] Lincoln explains therein that the cause, purpose, and result of the war was God's will.[336] Lincoln's frequent use of religious imagery and language toward the end of his life may have reflected his own personal beliefs or might have been a device to reach his audiences, who were mostly evangelical Protestants.[337] On the day Lincoln was assassinated, he reportedly told his wife he desired to visit the Holy Land.[338]
Health
Main article: Health of Abraham Lincoln
Lincoln in February 1865, two months before his death
Lincoln is believed to have had depression, smallpox, and malaria.[339] He took blue mass pills, which contained mercury,[340] to treat constipation.[341] It is unknown to what extent this may have resulted in mercury poisoning.[342]
Several claims have been made that Lincoln's health was declining before the assassination. These are often based on photographs of Lincoln appearing to show weight loss and muscle wasting.