Conversation so far:
What was important for Ralph Waldo Emerson during the Civil War years?
A number of Ralph Waldo Emerson's friends and family members were more active abolitionists than he, at first, but from 1844 on, he more actively opposed slavery.
Did Ralph Waldo Emerson ever lecture regardless of how he felt?
Ralph Waldo Emerson did not appreciate being in the public limelight. But in the years leading up to the Civil War, he did give a number of lectures.
Did Ralph Waldo Emerson participate in many lectures?
Ralph Waldo Emerson gave a number of speeches and lectures, and welcomed John Brown to his home during Brown's visits to Concord.
What else happened during the Civil War years?
Ralph Waldo Emerson voted for Abraham Lincoln in 1860, but was disappointed that Lincoln was more concerned about preserving the Union than eliminating slavery outright.
Was Ralph Waldo Emerson successful giving this lecture?
Yes. The next day, February 1, Ralph Waldo Emerson's friend Charles Sumner took him to meet Lincoln at the White House.
Did anything take place at his lecture at the Smithsonian on January 31, 1862?
The next day, February 1, Ralph Waldo Emerson's friend Charles Sumner took him to meet Lincoln at the White House.

Question: Did him and Lincoln get a chance to talk?
Self-contained rewrite: Did Ralph Waldo Emerson and President Lincoln get a chance to talk?