Saturday, August 30, 2014

Lincoln’s Wit/Wisdom 226



'The colored population is the great available, and yet unavailed of, force for restoring the Union. The bare sight of fifty thousand armed, and drilled black soldiers on the banks of the Mississippi would end the rebellion at once.'
- Abraham Lincoln

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Lincoln’s Wit/Wisdom 225



'The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty and we must rise with the occasion.'
- Abraham Lincoln

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Lincoln’s Wit/Wisdom 224



'The Emancipation Proclamation applies to Arkansas. I think it is valid in law, and will be so held by the courts. I think I shall not retract or repudiate it. Those who shall have tasted actual freedom I believe can never be slaves or quasi slaves again.'
- Abraham Lincoln

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Lincoln’s Wit/Wisdom 223



The Emancipation Proclamation was, domestically at any rate, a disaster. In early 1863, right after it took effect, fraternizing with the enemy among troops of the 109th Illinois regiment began to look so much like a mutiny that the entire regiment was arrested. They were disgusted with Lincoln and the Emancipation Proclamation. Indiana Governor Morton telegraphed the following astonishing message to Washington: ‘I am advised that it is contemplated when the legislature meets in this state to pass a joint resolution acknowledging the Southern Confederacy, and urging the states of the Northwest to dissolve all constitutional relations with the New England states.’ Of course after the fact we all know the North won the Civil War; but winning it was anything but a sure thing.

Friday, August 22, 2014

Lincoln’s Wit/Wisdom 222



'The fiery trial through which we pass will light us down in honor or dishonor to the latest generation. We say we are for the Union. The world will not forget that we say this. We know how to have the Union. The world knows we do know how to save it. We - even we here - hold the power, and bear the responsibility.'
- Abraham Lincoln

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Lincoln’s Wit/Wisdom 221



'The lady bearer of this says she has two sons who want to work. Set them at it if possible. Wanting to work is so rare a want that it should be encouraged.'
- Abraham Lincoln