ForFor thethe PeoplePeople A N e w s l e t t e r o f t h e A b r a h a m L i n c o l n A s s o c i a t i o n Volume 1, Number 2 Summer, 1999 Springfield,

Beware the Ides of March n Shakespeare’s play, “Julius allusions to things he professes to have shut himself perpetually in [an] iron Caesar,” a soothsayer warns Caesar heard as furnished no possible clue to box in which condition he would Iof impending treachery declaring, any person or place which could be scarcely be able to perform the neces- “Beware the Ides of March.” ’s pursued further, and which showed sary duties of a President of the United assassination by the treacherous hands only a mind in such agitation or disor- States.” of was proceeded der as to be incapable of receiving or Certainly, Lincoln was no fool by similar warnings. The warnings conveying trustworthy evidence . . . when it came to personal safety. He were so numerous throughout his Mr. Lincoln’s uniform summing up of accepted the advice as President-elect entire presidency that, to modern the matter was, that since both friends that danger awaited him in Baltimore, observers, it is easy to dismiss them as and strangers did and must have per- causing Lincoln to quietly change his idle threats. Moreover, several recent sonal access to him daily and in all travel plans. When he entered his studies argue that Lincoln did not take manner of places, his life was within room at Willard’s Hotel as president- the death threats very seriously and the reach of any man sane or mad who elect, he was greeted with a threaten- that his personal secretaries did not might be ready to commit murder. ing note on the nightstand. General show him the offending letters, even That he could not possible guard him- Winfield Scott, commander of the fed- destroying them upon receipt. As self against all danger unless he were to continued on next page William O. Stoddard, one of Lincoln’s secretaries, claimed: “I was forbidden to show him any of the many threat- ening epistles.” This contradicts the testimony of others who claim that Lincoln had a folder marked “Assassination” with over eighty letters in it. Some of these letters were removed by officials and submitted as evidence at the trial of the assassins. The file has never been found among Lincoln’s papers or those of his Cabinet members or military leaders. One of Lincoln’s other private sec- retaries, John George Nicolay, provid- ed a more detailed explanation of how death threats were handled: “Mr. Lincoln was shown every letter of this character containing any threat or inti- Anderson Cottage (Soldier’s Home) mation of such against his life. And on one occasion at least, where a definite Virtual Library Now On-Line name and address of a person was given, who professed to have knowl- fter several false starts, the orig- fundraising efforts to finish the elec- edge of some such design the writer of inal eight-volume Collected tronic conversion of Lincoln Day By the letter was summoned to Washing- AWorks of is Day. To everyone who has sent in ton, and was personally examined and now available through the Association their annual pledge, thank you. Those cross questioned both by the private website, www.alincolnassoc.com. Be- who would like to make a donation to Secretary and by Secretary Stanton cause of the excellent work of Dan speed along these efforts may make and the result communicated to the Bannister and his committee, anyone their check out to the Abraham president. The result indeed proved can search the contents of the Collected Lincoln Association and send it to 1 nothing; the replies of the witness Works free of charge. Dan and his Old State Capitol Plaza, Springfield, were only such vague and shadowy committee are busy with their annual Illinois 62701. 2 For the People

For the People: A Newsletter of the Abraham Lincoln Association -- President’s Column

By Donald R. Tracy making plans to attend. If you need a Capitol Plaza, Springfield, Illinois hotel room call the Renaissance Hotel, 62701, or via email at: he 1999 Lincoln Banquet was which will remain our lodging head- [email protected] or a great time. Our speaker, quarters. [email protected] James B. Stewart, hit just the Tom Schwartz, Cullom Davis, rightT note in analyzing the historical Bob Willard, and I attended the Letters significance of the independent Abraham Lincoln Institute Confer- counsel investigation of President ence in Washington, D.C., at the Your Volume1/Number 1 issue Clinton on the very day the Senate National Archives in March. Mark is very good. Keep going please. agreed to acquit Clinton. As the Steiner gave a very entertaining speech Enclosed is a little help. photographs on pages five and eight on the Lincoln Legal Papers Project. of this Newsletter show, the banquet Tom Schwartz made an excellent pre- Sincerely, hall was splendidly decorated. The sentation of our own Virtual Lincoln Marjorie Rogers presentation of the colors by the Library Project. Carlinville, IL 114th Regiment Illinois Volunteer We are currently in the midst of a Infantry (Reactivated) and the music membership drive. Our goal is one Dear Mr. Tracy: by the 33rd Regiment Illinois thousand members by February 12, Last week I received a copy of Volunteer Infantry Civil War Band 2000. Since the beginning of this year, the new newsletter of the Abraham were equally spectacular. As usual, we have gained over one hundred new Lincoln Association. I found it to be we concluded by singing all four members. Please help by encouraging an excellent publication and I was stanzas of the “Battle Hymn of the your Lincoln friends and relatives to very happy to receive it. Republic,” en masse. join. An application is on page seven In answer to your question If you haven’t attended our ban- of this newsletter. regarding the cost of this endeavor quet in recent years, we promise you We are pleased to have several new let me say this; I would be very glad an excellent time next February 12 directors. Please see the separate arti- to pay an additional ten dollars per when presidential historian, Doris cle describing the Board changes. year over and above my twenty-five Kearns Goodwin, will be our key- Individual profiles of new and old dollar membership. I wish that I note speaker. There is, however, a Board members will appear in this and could do more but now that I am change in venue. Next year’s ban- future issues. retired I need to watch my expendi- quet will be in the atrium lobby of Please do not hesitate to write to tures. National City Bank, which is just me or to any of the directors if you across Washington Street from the have any suggestions for this newslet- Many thanks for a fine job! Old State Capitol. Please save the ter or any of our other projects. All of James C. Mould date of February 12, 2000, and begin us can be reached at 1 Old State Mishawaka, IN

continued from previous page the War Department from the Exec- als still had ready access to the Exec- eral forces, took no chances when it utive Mansion, he carried with him a utive Mansion and the President. came to the Inaugural parade and cer- “thick oaken stick” fashioned from Lincoln placed himself among the emonies. Crack riflemen lined the timber salvaged from a sunken man- throngs at many public functions with- length of Pennsylvania Avenue to pro- of-war at Hampton Roads. This ver- out the benefit of bodyguards. When tect the carriage carrying President sion of the Lincoln “peacemaker” con- he was returning from the Soldier’s and President-elect tained pieces of metal from both the Home, a mysterious gunshot was Lincoln. A moment of comic relief ironclad Monitor and Merrimac. fired, sparing Lincoln’s life but taking occurred when a sharp noise similar to Despite these apparent cautions, as its casualty Lincoln’s top hat. And a rifle shot was determined to be noth- most people think of Lincoln as indif- an equally mysterious carriage accident ing more than a tree branch giving ferent to his own security. While the that resulted in an almost fatal injury way to the weight of a young boy 150th Regiment Pennsylvania Vol- to Mrs. Lincoln, was probably intend- seeking a better view of events. Later, unteer Infantry provided visible securi- ed for her husband. when Lincoln made late night trips to ty at the Executive Mansion, individu- continued on page 6 For the People 3

THE ABRAHAM LINCOLN Old Friends He established the James A. Rawley ASSOCIATION Prize which is awarded through the Leave the Organization of American Historians. DONALD R. TRACY President Board of When asked what led him to the study of Abraham Lincoln, Rawley MOLLY BECKER Directors replied: RICHARD HART RICHARD MILLS While New “My interest in Lincoln reaches Vice-Presidents back to boyhood when I was growing Friends Join up in Indiana, the state where Lincoln THOMAS F. S CHWARTZ Secretary t was with a certain sadness to wit- came to manhood. The interest rose ness the departure from the Board when I wrote a biography of Edwin D. JUDITH BARRINGER Morgan, national chairman of the Treasurer Iof Directors of five individuals who have faithfully served the Associ- Republican Party in 1860, governor of DAN W. B ANNISTER ation for over one hundred years of New York 1859-1862, Immediate Past-President combined service. The Association Senator during the remaining Civil Board of Directors gave its heartfelt thanks to the contri- War years. The passage of time, as I R-Lou P. Barker butions of John Chapin, Esq., Dr. continued to study and teach the Civil Roger D. Bridges Cullom Davis, Justice Benjamin War, further developed my interest. Michael Burlingame Sheldon S. Cohen Miller, Sally Schanbacher, and Admiral One step led to another: writing an Linda Culver R. N. Thunman. Replacing them on article, editing a volume, writing a John Daly the board are Dr. John Daly, Director biography, and then agreeing to do Brooks Davis Robert S. Eckley of the Illinois State Archives, Dr. still another book on Lincoln. A com- Paul Findley Robert Eckley, President Emeritus at plex man, of remarkable profundity, Donald H. Funk Illinois Wesleyan University, Lewis Lincoln is endlessly interesting.” Edith Lee Harris Norman D. Hellmers Lehrman, businessman and collector Earl W. Henderson, Jr. of Americana, Dr. Gerald J. Welcome New Fred B. Hoffmann Prokopowicz, Lincoln Scholar at the Barbara Hughett Robert W. Johannsen Lincoln Museum in Fort Wayne, Members! Lewis E. Lehrman Indiana, and James A. Rawley, Carl Susan Mogerman Adolph Professor Emeritus of History he Abraham Lincoln Associ- Georgia Northrup Phillip S. Paludan at the University of Nebraska. Indi- ation is pleased to welcome the James W. Patton III vidual profiles of these new board following new members: Brian Mark Plummer T members as well as all of the board will Buckley, Mark Tomaw, The Honorable Gerald Prokopowicz James A. Rawley be featured in future issues. Kurt M. Granberg, The Honorable Brisbane Rouzan Daniel W. Hynes, Richard W. Renner, Brooks Simpson Lawrence A. Bussard, Daniel Ray Charles B. Strozier Profile of a Robert A. Stuart, Jr. Dunham, Nancy M. Hahn, Clete Mrs. Louise Taper Board Member McLaughlin, Frederick T. Russo, Jr., John T. Trutter ames A. Rawley is the Carl Adolph Dr. and Mrs. James McCarthy, Michael Mrs. A. D. VanMeter, Jr. Andy VanMeter Happold Professor of History, and Cathleen Synder, Dr. R. Bruce Robert Willard Emeritus at the University of McMillan, Bill Ressegue, Thomas Douglas L. Wilson J Nebraska at Lincoln. His professional Rosenbaum, Mary K. Peer, David Honorary Directors career has spanned over four decades Milling, Dr. Gerald Gutek, Dr. John E. Governor George H. Ryan of teaching and publishing. A prolific Daly, Dr. Jack Mills, The Honorable Senator Richard Durbin scholar and writer, Rawley is the George Ryan, The Honorable James Senator Peter Fitzgerald Congressman Ray LaHood author of such works as Edwin D. continued on next page Congressman John Shimkus Morgan: 1811-1883 (Columbia Justice Benjamin K. Miller University Press, 1955); Turning Unless otherwise indicated, all Mayor Karen Hasara Points of the Civil War (Lippincott, photographs are courtesy of the Illinois State Historical Library, Emeritus Directors 1966); Race and Politics: “Bleeding Springfield Willard Bunn, Jr. Kansas” and the Coming of the Civil Irving Dilliard Wa r (Lippincott, 1969); Secession: The For the People is published four times James Myers a year and is a benefit of Disruption of the American Republic, membership of the Distinguished Directors 1844-1861 (Krieger, 1990); and Mario M. Cuomo Abraham Lincoln Association Abraham Lincoln and A Nation Worth 1 Old State Capitol Plaza Garry Wills Fighting For (Harlan Davidson, 1996). Springfield, Illinois 62701 4 For the People him. He has got stacks of preserved “Bad Dates” fruit and all sorts of such trash which n the movie Raiders of the Lost Ark, Springfield Jan 26/61 he is daily receiving from various parts a mysterious hand pores poison Dear Mother of the South sent to him as presents. Iover a bowl of dates that was the I arrived here, at the Capitol of the He had several packages opened and source of snacking by the hero, great Prairie State of Illinois this examined by medical men who found Indiana Jones. The viewer, knowing morning after an all night ride in the them to be all poisoned. that the date in Jones’s hand will be cars. Not time to write more this fatal if eaten, watches as the hero peri- The Legislature is at work which evening. Will likely go to Jacksonville odically brings the poisonous fruit to brings a great many people from all the first of next week. his lips, only to withdraw it at the last parts of the state to the city; and not If I cant hear from you I think I minute when he needs to express a only that but I suppose you know that take revenge by making you read lots new thought to his companion. Old Lincoln lives here, and his of my scratching. Finally, when Jones thinks he has visitors alone are enough to eat up any Your affectionate Son solved the problem, he tosses the date Joshua Allen into the air, opening his mouth wide The newspaper eventually passed to catch it as it descends. His friend on to the editorial direction of Allen catches the date before it hits Jones’s N. Ford, the only person to file a claim mouth and squeezes it between his fin- against the estate of Abraham Lincoln. gers as both view the body of a dead In a letter to Judge David Davis dated monkey who had eaten the poisonous January 12, 1867, Ford claims that dates. With classic deadpan under- Lincoln was a continuous subscriber statement, his companion declares, to the Illinois Gazette for twenty years. “bad dates.” However, Ford had not received pay- In a newly discovered letter from ment for the last four, amounting to a the Louise and Barry Taper Collection, debt of eleven dollars owed him. a similar incident is described by Davis allowed Ford’s claim to be paid. Joshua Allen, the editor of the Lacon Journal from 1858 through 1866. Welcome New This newspaper first supported the Members! Whig party and later the Republican continued from previous page party. According to Allen, he traveled “Pate” Philip, Jonathan R. Javors, Karl to Springfield with Greenbury L. Fort, Betz, Daniel R. Murphy, Larry D. also of Lacon. Fort was active in Whig David Davis Mansch, Wayne R. Arthurton, Joshua politics and married Clara E. Boal, the Wolf Shenk, Kathleen McCullough, daughter of Dr. Robert Boal, who was ordinary sort of a city. Marvin W. Block, Jon Innes, Shirley an early friend and supporter of Judge Fort of Lacon (you proba- Edwards, James W. Johnston, Cath- Abraham Lincoln. Fort was an attor- bly know him) came down with me; erine F. Johnston, Ray and Anne ney, eventually being elected as a coun- he and our representative to the Capestrain, The Honorable Joseph T. ty judge in 1857, hence Allen’s refer- Legislature together with two wild fire Sneed, The Honorable Jim Ryan, ence to “Judge Fort.” eaters from the very blackest part of Laura O’Laughlin, Roger W. Cum- It is likely that both Allen and Fort the South went with me (or I with ming, James W. Nethery, Brent P. were close enough to President-elect them) to see “Old Abe”—A Nigger McGucken, Betty J. Hickey, and Lincoln to obtain a ready audience. came to the door and showed me in. George B. Eberle. We also welcome a The letter describes an unusual “Abe,” who, seated besides a huge pile new corporate member, AmerenCIPS. encounter between Lincoln and some of letters as high as a mountain (I pre- This listing reflects membership extreme states’ rights Southern “fire sume all from curs after office) rose received during the period from eaters.” It also provides one of the ear- and welcomed us with a good jolly January 1 through March 31, 1999. liest descriptions of attempts to kill shake hands. We stayed about half an Membership dues support most of Lincoln through poisoned food. The hour, during all of which the old fel- the Association’s publications, events letter contains the racist language low went on talking so that one of us and research efforts. Since the common for the time. While offensive could hardly get a word in edge ways. Abraham Lincoln Association is com- to modern readers, the racism that per- I think he almost converted the “fire pletely dependent upon volunteer meated Lincoln’s era only reflect how eaters” into Black Republicans; how- efforts to organize and carry out its difficult it was to deal with the issue. ever their opinion of him was very programs, members are all the more It is reproduced fully as written and much altered. You would explode appreciated for their time and talents with the kind permission of Louise with laughter to hear him tell about as well as their financial contributions. and Barry Taper. the Southerners trying to assassinate Thanks to all. For the People 5 A Picture is Worth a Thousand News of Words Members hose of you who were unable to offered thoughtful insights into the ohn T. Trutter, board member, attend the February 12 sympo- Clinton presidency. Earlier that day, suffered a heart attack earlier this Tsium and banquet missed a the Senate voted to acquit President Jyear but is recovering nicely. He wonderful time. C-SPAN taped the Clinton on all articles of impeachment. was honored by the Illinois and symposium to air the week of June 28 Stewart offered some brief and appro- Michigan Canal Corridor Association as part of their Presidential Series. The priate comments on how the country for his long years of service, especially following pictures (this page and page might begin to heal in the aftermath of his recent tenure as chairman of the eight) offer a brief glimpse into the the Senate vote. Keeping with the tra- Association, with the Canal Boat grand banquet festivities. The 114th dition of the Abraham Lincoln Captain’s Award. Lincoln College Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry Association, the audience stood and honored Cullom Davis, former presi- (Reactivated) presented the colors sang the Battle Hymn of the Republic dent of the Abraham Lincoln Associ- while one of the Association’s oldest before taking a moment of silence to ation, at its May graduation, receiving members, Judge Abraham Lincoln receive Judge Marovitz’s benediction. the honorary Doctor of Humane Marovitz, gave both the invocation Make your plans now to attend Letters. Douglas L. Wilson, board and benediction. Donald R. Tracy next year’s events. The theme of the member, received the prestigious presided over his first banquet as pres- symposium will be “Abraham Lincoln Lincoln Prize for his book, Honor’s ident of the Association. Near the end Reputation,” and feature Hans Voice: The Transformation of Abraham of the dinner, attendees were treated to Trefousse, Bruce Tap, Bryon Andrea- Lincoln. The Lincoln Prize is endowed period music by the 33rd Regiment sen with comments by John R. Sellers. by the Gilder Lehrman Foundation Illinois Volunteer Infantry Band. We are privileged to have Doris Kearns and is given annually through Gettys- Noted author James B. Stewart Goodwin as the banquet speaker. burg College. Gordon Leidner com- piled a collection of Lincoln quotes tentatively titled, Commitment to Honor: A Unique Portrait of Abraham Lincoln in His Own Words, to be pub- lished by Rutledge Hill Press. Allen Guelzo has just completed a man- uscript, Redeemer President: Abraham Lincoln and the Ideas of Americans, that will be published this autumn by William Eerdmans Company. A long time member and friend, Dr. Robert Jess Patton, died on December 7, 1998. A special profes- sorship is being established in his honor by the Memorial Medical Center Foundation and the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. Memorial gifts may be sent to: The Robert Jess Patton Memorial Fund, Memorial Medical Center Foundation, 114th Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry (Reactivated) 1 Memorial Plaza, Springfield, Illinois 62701. In early April, Vesta Angle, wife of the late Lincoln scholar Paul Lincoln Never Said That M. Angle, died in Chicago. Sally he much touted “information information is that the quality control Thomas, wife of the late Lincoln revolution” has undoubtedly of the database may not be consistent. scholar Benjamin P. Thomas, died on Tchanged the way we conduct We are all too familiar with recent April 20 in Springfield. business and personal communication. reports about President Clinton’s per- Please send member news to It has allowed for fast access to infor- sonal life that appeared as a story on- Thomas F. Schwartz, Abraham mation databases and the ability to line, repeated endlessly in newspaper Lincoln Association, 1 Old State sort through large quantities of infor- columns, radio reports, and television Capitol Plaza, Springfield, Illinois mation to pinpoint material of specific and cable networks only to be ques- 62701. All submissions will be edited interest to us. The downside to online continued on page 7 to fit space limitations. 6 For the People morning he went away leaving my Beware the Ides of March blankets at my door, before I or the continued from page 2 contemplated placing security person- President were awake.” Given the overwhelming evidence nel at the White House in garb similar Ultimately, Lincoln’s greatest fear, that Lincoln knew he was a marked to the Papal Swiss Guard, it was met according to Carpenter, was providing man, why did he continue to behave in with public laughter and ridicule. his enemies cause to believe that he ways that appear reckless? Almost ev- Many of the security proposals feared for his life. Carpenter recalled erything we know about Lincoln’s advanced by Lincoln’s military and Lincoln telling him that: “To betray views on this subject comes from vari- political advisors were viewed as fear of this, by placing guards or so ous published recollections by his asso- extreme or offering unintended conse- forth, would only be to put the idea ciates. The earliest and most frequent- quences. Lincoln liked to joke that into their heads, and perhaps lead to ly quoted treatment is found in Francis Southerners would never assassinate the very result it was intended to pre- Bicknell Carpenter’s, Six Months at the him because Hannibal Hamlin, his vent.” Lincoln also understood that White House, first published in 1866. vice president, was more outspoken in many of his potential enemies were In it, Carpenter describes several dif- his views on slavery’s abolition than mentally unbalanced. He thought that ferent explanations that Lincoln gave Lincoln. “In that one alternative,” for these “crazy folks . . . why I must for not taking more precautions Lincoln allegedly quipped, “I have an only take my chances,—the worst against assassination threats, such as insurance on my life worth half the crazy people at present, I fear being prairie land of Illinois.” In a similar some of my dangers as you and many jocular vein, Lincoln supposedly com- others have suggested to me, is quite plained that a cavalry detachment sent possible; but I guess it wouldn’t to guard him was not necessary. improve things any to publish that we Previously, when he and Mrs. Lincoln were afraid of them in advance.” were riding in a carriage with cavalry Perhaps it was this fear of showing fear guards, he is recorded as stating they that reinforced Lincoln’s predestinari- “couldn’t hear themselves talk, for the an fatalism that permeates so much of clatter of their sabres and spurs; and Lincoln’s writing. that, as many of them appeared new The word death appears far more hands and very awkward, he [Lincoln] frequently in Lincoln’s writings than was more afraid of being shot by the assassination. The few allusions to the accidental discharge of one of their possibility of his assassination appear carbines or revolvers, than of any in speeches as president-elect. In his attempt upon his life or for his capture famous “Farewell Address,” Lincoln by the roving squads of Jeb Stuart’s said: “I now leave, not knowing when cavalry, then hovering all round the or whether ever I may return, with a exterior works of the city.” task before me greater than that which Just as Lincoln was leery of visible rested upon Washington.” At the flag legions of armed men protecting him, raising in Philadelphia at Indepen- individual bodyguards were also a dence Hall, Lincoln spoke in bolder Hannibal Hamlin comical sight. Ward Hill Lamon, language: “But if this country cannot the traditions and appearances re- Marshall of the District of Columbia be saved without giving up that prin- quired in a democratic republic; the and a legal crony from Danville, ciple [equality], I was about to say I cures being worse than the threat; and Illinois, professed to be Lincoln’s would rather be assassinated on this the predestinarian acceptance of his bodyguard. Despite his notable ab- spot than surrender it.” Throughout fate. sence at Ford’s Theatre on April 14, his pronouncements, Lincoln balanced Lincoln allegedly told Seward that 1865, Lamon often accompanied the the personal threats directed towards assassination was not part of the President to events armed for the occa- him against the larger goals of Union American political experience. He sion. provides one such and emancipation. Had Lincoln acted thought assassination a feature of the description about election night on with cautious timidity, he would have European despotic political tradition. November 8, 1864. After Lincoln re- fallen victim to the fears that threat- Likewise, Lincoln shunned a phalanx tired for the evening, Lamon “took a ened him daily. Lincoln’s knowledge of armed military guards. “It would glass of whiskey and then, refusing my of the threats did not prevent him never do for a President to have guards offer of a bed, went out &, rolling from mingling with people and mak- with drawn sabres at his door,” himself up in his cloak, lay down at the ing his frequent late evening visits to Carpenter recounts Lincoln saying, “as President’s door; passing the night in the War Department’s telegraph if he fancied he were, or were trying to that attitude of touching and dumb office. After all, martyrdom, while not be, or were assuming to be, an emper- fidelity, with a small arsenal of pistols desired, was preferable to the alterna- or.” When Richard Milhous Nixon & bowie knives around him. In the tive of being paralyzed by fear. For the People 7

Lincoln Never Said times. In all instances, none match or informed judgment about the quotes’ That come close to the meaning expressed authenticity. Most of the quotes in the in the alleged quote. volume, however, receive a C grade continued from page 5 If these words are not found in indicating that the words were record- tioned later. Some were demonstrated Lincoln’s letters and writings, couldn’t ed well after the actual date Lincoln to be all too true while many others they be words attributed to him by allegedly uttered them. The other lim- were simply idle gossip. The question others? The answer is obviously yes. itation of the volume is that it covers becomes: “What can you trust to be But attributions pose their own set of only those attributions that are most true online?” difficulties. First, the only authorita- frequently cited in historical studies. Senator Trent Lott appeared on The actual number of recollections and Meet the Press, March 22, 1998, and recorded interviews containing Lin- proudly quoted Abraham Lincoln to coln attributions well exceeds those in make his point: “I’m a firm believer in the Fehrenbacher and Zall compila- the people. If given the truth, the peo- tions. ple can be depended upon to meet any Even if all the attributions could national crisis. The great point is to be collected onto a database, to what bring them the real facts.” Fine senti- extent are they reflections of Lincoln’s ments indeed. But did Lincoln make philosophy? This is a major problem such a statement? Lott’s staff obtained with recollected materials. The the quote from a Lexus/Nexus search. Fehrenbachers offer a thorough and It appeared on the database twenty- thoughtful overview of the problems eight times and in each instance inherent in using attributions: “The attributed the words to Lincoln. A distinction between direct and indirect search of Lincoln’s own words, how- discourse is useful in the case of con- ever, failed to locate any of the three temporaneously recorded quotations sentences. because the one may well be verbatim Lincoln used the word “firm” recall or something close to it, while eighty-five times in his writings, the tive and reliable reference source for the other may well be nothing more word “people” 2,292 times, and the Lincoln attributions is Don Fehren- than paraphrase or summary. But in word “believer” two times. Yet there bacher and Virginia Fehrenbacher, the case of quotations recorded non- are no instances where the words Recollected Words of Abraham Lincoln, comtemporaneously, the distinction is “firm,” “believer,” and “people” appear and Paul M. Zall, Abe Lincoln less appropriate because verbatim in close proximity in any of Lincoln’s Laughing. Zall keeps his focus limited recall is much less likely, and the writings. When matches occurred to the jokes and funny stories told by employment of direct discourse may with other key words in Lincoln’s Lincoln, whereas the Fehrenbachers well be misrepresentative.” writings such as “great” (1,751 times) cast a wider net. The Fehrenbachers In comparing the Lincoln attribu- and “point” (1,049 times), the phrase provide evaluations of every attribu- tion cited by Senator Lott off “great point” appeared only eight tion, providing the reader with an continued on next page

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

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continued from previous page Lexus/Nexus to the Fehrenbachers county is safe” (Fehrenbacher, p. 278). death that would prevent him from compilation, nothing matches. Rev- Kirk recalled Lincoln saying this to seeing a successful end to the war, the erend Edward N. Kirk offers the clos- him in July, 1864, and recounted these Fehrnbachers concluded that this “like est match when he claimed that words to the Boston Journal, reprinted all such talk, recalled after the assassi- Lincoln told him, “I have faith in the in the Liberator, May 19, 1865. When nation, should probably be viewed people. They will not consent to dis- added to other expressions in the inter- with a certain amount of skepticism.” union. The danger is, they are misled. view, such as Lincoln’s fear for the They assigned Kirk’s recollections the Let them know the truth, and the country’s future and premonitions of grade of D.

Abraham Lincoln Marovitz James B. Stewart

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