Lincoln on Democracy

"THE PEOPLE'S BUSINESS"

Lincoln and Democracy, 1863-1865 325 Now, the unconditional Union men, North and South, perceive its importance, and embrace it. In the joint names of Liberty and Union, let us labor to give it legal form, and practical effect. "THE PEOPLE'S BUSINESS" Informal Remarks on the Election, the White House [AUGUST 1864] Hearing a "discouraging account" ofhis reelection prospects in New York State, Lincoln offered these trenchant comments "with grim earnestness, " as recorded by artist-in-residence Francis B. Carpenter. Well, I cannot run the political machine; I have enough on my hands without that. It is the people's business,-the election is in their hands. If they turn their backs to the fire, and get scorched in the rear, they'll find they have got to ''sit'' on the "blister!" "I SHOULD DESERVE TO BE DAMNED" Conversation with Wisconsin Politicians, the Soldiers' Home, Outside Washington [AUGUST 1864] By mid-1864, black Union soldiers had amply proven their bravery in the field. Apparently, however, there were still some Northern politicians who thought that compromise on emancipation might still shorten the war and ...