"at this second appearing to take the oath of the presidential office there is less occasion for an extended address than there was at the first. then a statement somewhat in detail of a course to be pursued seemed fitting and proper. now, at the expiration of four years, during which public declarations have been constantly called forth on every point and phase of the great contest which still absorbs the attention and engrosses the energies of the nation, little that is new could be presented. the progress of our arms, upon which all else chiefly depends, is as well known to the public as to myself, and it is, i trust, reasonably satisfactory and encouraging to all. with high hope for the future, no prediction in regard to it is ventured."

what is the purpose of this passage from president lincoln’s second inaugural address?

a. to explain that the people are already acquainted with him
b. to explain his reasons for making a shorter inaugural speech
c. to explain that his attention and energy is still focused on the war
d. to explain that he has hope for the future