Reflection on "The Second Inaugural Address (March 4, 1865)"

Today I delivered my second Inaugural Address. Although it was but brief, I spoke with a heavy heart what I believe to be the true nature of the War, and of the future. After all these years, and after experiencing so much, I have come to conclude the cause of this Civil War...God willed it. There is simply no other reason. I realize though, that this concept is hard for many Americans to accept, and I therefore had to carefully craft it in my speech. As a result, I suggested that the blame must lie with all Americans, both North and South. The war is a divine judgement for all of our sins regarding slavery, and it is a price that we must pay. The Almighty has His own purposes. It is our responsibility though, to strive on to finish the work we are in. The American people must know that we will endure as long as we can endure, and that we will not lose our faith in God or hope in this nation. That is now the only way the Union will survive...united not only in geography, but also in heart.

A. Lincoln

Reflection on "Emancipation Proclamation (Jaunuary 1, 1863)"

 Today I delivered what could be one of the most important documents in United States history: The Emancipation Proclamation. Of course, this was not the plan that I had originally intended. Ever since I became President, my goal had always been to eventually end slavery. I recognized that this would be a process, and that it would take time and patience to make it a reality. It seems that in the past few months though, my patience has run thin. There is not time to wait for Legislation to pass. There is still much opposition to the cause, and I must act to do what is right. Up to this point, we have been "wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." But, now is the time for boldness. No doubt this is the biggest political gamble of my career, and one of the greatest in American history. The wave of slavery has come upon myself and this land, and I will throw myself into it, whether to sink or swim...but I will make a splash. This is how I will be remembered.

A. Lincoln

Reflection on "Letter to Grace Bedell (October 19, 1860)"

 

Today I received and responded to a letter by an adorable little eleven year old girl from Westfield, New York named Grace Bedell. What she wrote to me was kind and thoughtful, and I couldn't help but send something back in return. I regret to say that I have no daughters, and have always wanted one. There is something about this girl's words that were so genuine, and struck my heart. She did though, make me question my appearance once again, just as the "True Republicans" did in a letter seven days ago. Both suggested that I grow some whiskers. What effect would this really have? As I told Grace, people would surely call it a piece of silly affection. Although, now that I think about it, is there anything wrong with gimmicks if they work? If I were to grow whiskers, would there be any better time than now? After all, this campaign needs to be represented with boldness and change. Perhaps whiskers would indeed add some wisdom and fatherly appeal to my face. I may have to consider this idea a little further after all.  

A. Lincoln

Reflection on "Letter to Norman Judd (October 20, 1858)"

                                                                         
As things begin to intensify before the election, a new problem has come to my attention: voter fraud. This past afternoon, I wrote to my friend Norman Judd, explaining my views and presenting any way to prevent it. The way I see it, these carpetbaggers are coming from counties where they know their vote would not have an impact, and are settling temporarily in counties where their vote would have an impact. As I said to Norman, I now have a high degree of confidence that we shall succeed, if we are not over-run with fraudulent votes to a greater extent than usual. I'm not sure how this can be done effectively in a legal manner, so perhaps other methods are necessary. I hope Norman did not think me a scoundrel, but the only way I see the playing grounds to be fair again, is if we are deceitful ourselves. Do the ends justify the means? I believe so. I believe in fairness and equality as the highest principle, no matter how it can be attained. At this point, I'm not exactly sure how to go about doing this. In my letter, I suggested that a true man of the "detective'' class be introduced among them in disguise, who could, at the nick of time, control their votes . I was a little unclear to Mr. Judd, probably because I am a little unclear myself. But, if we plant carpetbaggers into certain counties to bribe other carpetbaggers in our favor, perhaps this may do the trick. I will need to think about this issue some more, and look forward to hearing back from Norman.

A. Lincoln

Reflection on "Letter to John Johnston (January 12, 1851)"

Earlier today I wrote a letter to my stepbrother John regarding my father's failing health. At first it was hard for me to believe the news. John has mislead and asked so much of me lately, that it is hard to know when he is being truthful. However, I received word from Harriet Chapman confirming the news, and realized that I was somewhat obligated to respond. I love my father and do not desire that he should be in want of any comfort, but to me he represents everything that I have left behind...my old way of life. I did my best to be comforting, or at least wrote to the best of my ability how I thought he would be comforted. He is a religious man, with Baptist roots, and so I drew from that garden, words of love and encouragement for him, although I'm not sure I believe all of them. I suppose the right thing would have been to say the words to him myself, by his bedside, but surely that would have been more painful than pleasant. I let him know that this would be the case. Besides, my business is such that I could hardly leave home now, and I need to move on.

A. Lincoln