Lincoln on Democracy

"ANY ONE OF YOUR CHILDRENMAY LOOK TO COME HERE"

328 LINCOLN ON DEMOCRACY "ANY ONE OF YOUR CHILDREN MAY LOOK TO COME HERE" Speech to the 166th Ohio Regiment, the White House [AUGUST 22, 1864] Lincoln made this emotional speech to a regiment ofbattle-weary soldiers on their way home after concluding their army service. The speech was published in the press the following day. I suppose you are going home to see your families and friends. For the service you have done in this great struggle in which we are engaged I present you sincere thanks for myselfand the country. I almost always feel inclined, when I happen to say anything to soldiers, to impress upon them in a few brief remarks the importance of success in this contest. It is not merely for to-day, but for all time to come that we should perpetuate for our children's children this great and free government, which we have enjoyed all our lives. I beg you to remember this, not merely for my sake, but for yours. I happen temporarily to occupy this big White House. I am a living witness that anyone of your children may look to come here as my father's child has. It is in order that each of you may have through this free government which we have enjoyed, an open field and a fair chance for your industry, enterprise and intelligence ; that you may all have equal privileges in the race of life, with all its desirable human aspirations. It is for this the struggle should be maintained, that we may not lose our birthright-not only for one, but for two or three years. The nation is worth fighting for, to secure such an inestimable jewel. ...