Lincoln’s Wit/Wisdom 162

'What I did [the issuing of the Emancipation Proclamation] I did after very full deliberation, and under a heavy and solemn sense of responsibility. I can only trust in God that I have made no mistake.'
- Abraham Lincoln

Lincoln’s Wit/Wisdom 161

What Lincoln called Public Opinion baths took place from 10 - 2 on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and 10 - 12 on Tuesday and Thursday. For the public it was a fairly simple arrangement: first come, first served. Usually Lincoln would greet each individual with “what can I do for you?” Then he would listen and would promise to do what he could if the request were reasonable. If he was in a hurry to get rid of someone, he would crack a joke and with both of them laughing would ease the caller out the door. Among other things, since these meetings happened so regularly Lincoln had a consistently firm grasp on the concerns of ordinary people. In addition, the meetings served as a tonic in a city like Washington where overweening ambition and hypocrisy had – and, according to some people, still has - a way of warping facts beyond recognition.

Lincoln’s Wit/Wisdom 160

'Whatever you are, be a good one.'
- Abraham Lincoln

Lincoln’s Wit/Wisdom 159

When Grant was appointed head of all 860,000 Union troops in 1864, he devised a plan to attack all Confederate forces simultaneously: the Army of the Potomac would attack Lee without let-up; Sherman would slash through Georgia to the sea; Banks would attack through Mobile joining with Sherman in the Deep South. Lincoln had finally found his man, someone to execute strategy he knew could not fail. Happily he observed, ‘those not skinning can hold a leg.’

Lincoln’s Wit/Wisdom 158

'When I do good I feel good. When I do bad I feel bad. That is my religion.'
- Abraham Lincoln

Lincoln’s Wit/Wisdom 157

When Lincoln ran for congress in 1846 his Democratic opponent was a fire-and-brimstone preacher named Peter Cartwright. The story goes that during the course of the campaign Lincoln went to one of Cartwright's services. At one point during the service Preacher Cartwright asked that all who desired to give their lives to God and go to heaven should stand. Of course everyone stood up. Except Lincoln. He then asked those who did not wish to go to hell to stand. At this point everyone stood up. Except Lincoln. Cartwright of course was sensitive to the fact that Lincoln was in the congregation. He then pointedly asked Lincoln if he didn't stand in answer to either question where exactly did he intend to go? Lincoln replied: ‘I came here as a respectful listener. I did not know that I was to be singled out by Brother Cartwright. I believe in treating religious matters with due solemnity. I admit that the questions propounded by Brother Cartwright are of great importance. I did not feel called upon to answer as the rest did. Brother Cartwright asks me directly where I am going. I desire to reply with equal directness. I am going to Congress.’

Lincoln’s Wit/Wisdom 156

‘Adhere to your purpose and you will soon feel as well as you ever did. On the contrary if you falter and give up you will lose the power of keeping any resolution and will regret it all your life.'
- Abraham Lincoln