Lincoln on Democracy

"WANTING TO WORK Is So RARE"

Lincoln and Union, 1861 229 These all against us, and the job on our hands is too large for us. We would as well consent to separation at once, including the surrender of this capitol. On the contrary, if you will give up your restlessness for new positions, and back me manfully on the grounds upon which you and other kind friends gave me the election, and have approved in my public documents, we shall go through triumphantly. You must not understand I took my course on the proclamation because of Kentucky. I took the same ground in a private letter to General Fremont before I heard from Kentucky. You think I am inconsistent because I did not also forbid Gen. Fremont to shoot men under the proclamation. I understand that part to be within military law; but I also think, and so privately wrote Gen. Fremont, that it is impolitic in this, that our adversaries have the power, and will certainly exercise it, to shoot as many of our men as we shoot of theirs. I did not say this in the public letter, because it is a subject I prefer not to discuss in the hearing of our enemies. There has been no thought ofremoving Gen. Fremont on any ground connected with his proclamation; and if there has been any wish for his removal on any ground, our mutual friend Sam. Glover can probably tell you what it was. I hope no real necessity for it exists on any ground. Suppose you write to [General Stephen] Hurlbut and get him to resign. Your friend as ever A. LINCOLN "WANTING TO WORK Is So RARE" Letter to George D. Ramsay [OCTOBER 17, 1861] Lincoln's undying belief in the work ethic was reflected in this job reference directed to the commander ofthe Washington arsenal, where war had made jobs plentiful. 230 LINCOLN ON DEMOCRACY Majr. Ramsay Executive Mansion October 17, 1861 My dear Sir 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 merit, that it should be encouraged. Yours truly A. LINCOLN "THE CAPACITY OF MAN FOR SELF-GOVERNMENT" Reply to Edward Count Piper, the White House [NOVEMBER 8, 1861] During the early months of his presidency, Lincoln was required to exchang ~ formal greetings with an endless procession of diplomats. These are his remarks to the minister resident from Sweden and Norway. November 8, 1861. Sir: I receive with great pleasure a Minister from Sweden. That pleasure was enhanced by the information which preceded your arrival here, that his Majesty, your sovereign, had selected you to fill the mission upon the grounds of your derivation from an ancestral stock, identified with the most glorious era in your country's noble history, and your own eminent social and political standing in Sweden. This country, Sir, maintains, and means to maintain, the rights of human nature and the capacity ofman for self-government. The history of Sweden proves that this is the faith of the people of Sweden, as we know that it is the faith and practice of their respected Sovereign. Rest assured, therefore, that we shall be found always just and fraternal in ...