Abraham Lincoln : a history . er the act of Congress, seekingmilitary protection, should receive it. The right of theGovernment to appropriate permanently to its ownservice claims to slave labor should be asserted, and theright of the owner to compensation therefor should berecognized. This principle might be extended upongrounds of military necessity and security to all theslaves within a particular State, thus working manumis-sion in such State; and in Missouri, perhaps in WesternVirginia also, and possibly even in Maryland, the expedi-ency of such a military measure is only a question oftim
Abraham Lincoln : a history . er the act of Congress, seekingmilitary protection, should receive it. The right of theGovernment to appropriate permanently to its ownservice claims to slave labor should be asserted, and theright of the owner to compensation therefor should berecognized. This principle might be extended upongrounds of military necessity and security to all theslaves within a particular State, thus working manumis-sion in such State; and in Missouri, perhaps in WesternVirginia also, and possibly even in Maryland, the expedi-ency of such a military measure is only a question oftime. A system of policy thus constitutional and con-servative, and pervaded by the influences of Christianityand freedom, would receive the support of almost alltruly loyal men, would deeply impress the rebel massesand all foreign nations, and it might be humbly hopedthat it would commend itself to the favor of the Almighty. Unless the principles governing the further conduct ofour struggle shall be made known and approved, the. Harrisons landing 449 effort to obtain requisite forces will be almost hopeless, ch. declaration of radical views, especially upon slavery,will rapidly disintegrate our present armies. The policyof the Government must be supported by concentrationsof military power. The national forces should not bedispersed in expeditions, posts of occupation, and nu-merous armies; but should be mainly collected into massesand brought to bear upon the armies of the ConfederateStates. Those armies thoroughly defeated, the politicalstructure which they support would soon cease to exist. In carrying out any system of policy which you mayform, you will require a commander-in-chief of the army;one who possesses your confidence, understands yourviews, and who is competent to execute your orders bydirecting the military forces of the nation to the ac-complishment of the objects by you proposed. I do notask that place for myself. I am willing to serve you insuch position
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Keywords: ., bookauthornicolayj, bookcentury1800, bookdecade1890, bookyear1890