On the morning of November 19, 1863, nearly 20,000 statesmen, soldiers, and citizens converged on this hill to consecrate the new Soldiers' National Cemetery. The speakers' platform stood in Evergreen Cemetery. At noon, Edward Everett, principal speaker and former Governor of Massachusetts, delivered an eloquent but exhausting speech that lasted two hours. Following a hymn, President Abraham Lincoln rose to give dedicatory remarks, speaking deliberately and without gestures as the crowd strained to see and hear. According to some observers, the people received his prayer-like words in stunned silence, and the Gettysburg Address lasted two minutes. Lincoln left the platform believing his remarks had disappointed the people, but over time his simple utterances found a place in many American hearts and would for generations to come.