In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt of the content:

Lincoln and Democracy, 1863-1865 "My DUTY TO ... CO-OPERATE" Memorandum on His Chances for Reelection [AUGUST 23, 1864] 329 Lincoln asked the members of his cabinet to endorse, sight unseen, this memorandum pledging cooperation with the nextpresident. It was written, he recalled later, "when as yet we had no adversary, and seemed to have no friends." With most Northern states "wild for peace, " in the words of one political pundit, Lincoln's reelection seemed "an impossibility. " Historians James G. Randall and Richard Nelson Current, however, contended that Lincoln never "abandoned hope," convinced that improved "military prospects" could still turn the tide in his favor. Executive Mansion Washington, Aug. 23, 1864. This morning, as for some days past, it seems exceedingly probable that this Administration will not be re-elected. Then it will be my duty to so co-operate with the President elect, as to save the Union between the election and the inauguration; as he will have secured his election on such ground that he can not possibly save it afterwards. A. LINCOLN ...

Share