LINCOLN’S TREATMENT OF MILITARY POMPOSITY: REDICULE
In 1832 Lincoln served as a captain in the Black
Hawk War, an Indian skirmish which lasted but a few weeks and in which he did
not once hear a shot fired in anger. In short, there seemed to be virtually
nothing in this experience that might contribute to a burgeoning political
career. He had a way of dealing with those who, like himself, had virtually no
combat experience to bolster their careers: he showed how they and he were
pretty much on the same footing. In short, their pretense brought out his
withering humor. 'By the way, do you know I am a military hero? Yes, sir, in
the days of the Black Hawk War, I fought, bled, and came away. Speaking of
General Cass's career reminds me of my own. I was not at Stallman's defeat, but
I was about as near to it as Cass to Hull's surrender; and like him I saw the
place very soon afterwards. It is quite certain I did not break my sword, for I
had none to break, but I bent my musket pretty badly on one occasion... If
General Cass went in advance of me picking whortleberries, I guess I surpassed
him in charging upon the wild onion. If
he saw any live, fighting Indians, it was more than I did, but I had a good
many bloody struggles with the mosquitoes, and although I never fainted from
loss of blood, I can truly say that I was often very hungry.'
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