Ami's SOA Lincoln Quote of the Day

[Tennis]

I love the idea of a Daily Lincoln Quote!!

So do many of us

 

[DBF]

“Never let your correspondence fall behind. Whatever piece of business you have in hand, before stopping, do all the labor pertaining to it which can then be done.”

This is believed to have been part of Abraham Lincoln’s thoughts on the profession he engaged in before the White House - law. It was his advice on a document that was dated July 1, 1850, but the exact date is unknown. He ends the section:

“Let no young man choosing the law for a calling for a moment yield to the popular belief -- resolve to be honest at all events; and if in your own judgment you cannot be an honest lawyer, resolve to be honest without being a lawyer. Choose some other occupation, rather than one in the choosing of which you do, in advance, consent to be a knave.”

http://www.abrahamlincolnonline.org/lincoln/speeches/lawlect.htm

 

[frontrank2]

" I could not feel that, to the best of my ability, I had even tried to preserve the constitution, if, to save slavery, or any minor matter, I should permit the wreck of government, country, and Constitution all together."
Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction - Dec. 8, 1863

 

[frontrank2]

“I never in my life, felt more certain that I was doing right than I do in signing this paper. . . . If my name ever goes into history it will be for this act, and my whole soul is in it.”

Lincoln upon signing of the Emancipation Proclamation

 

[frontrank2]

"I appeal to you again to constantly bear in mind that with you, and not with politicians, not with Presidents, not with office-seekers, but with you, is the question, "Shall the Union and shall the liberties of this country be preserved to the latest generation?"

Speech to Gov. Morton in Indianapolis, February 11, 1861

 

[frontrank2]

“From whence shall we expect the approach of danger? Shall some trans-Atlantic military giant step the earth and crush us at a blow? Never. All the armies of Europe and Asia...could not by force take a drink from the Ohio River or make a track on the Blue Ridge in the trial of a thousand years. No, if destruction be our lot we must ourselves be its author and finisher. As a nation of free men we will live forever or die by suicide.”

Lyceum Address - January 27, 1838

 

[frontrank2]

"The better part of one's life consists of his friendships."

From a letter that Lincoln wrote to Joseph Gillespie in 1849

 

[frontrank2]

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.
--October 17, 1861 Letter to George Ramsay

 

[frontrank2]

You are ambitious, which, within reasonable bounds, does good rather than harm.

Letter to Gen. Joseph Hooker - Jan. 26, 1863

 

[Specster]

You are ambitious, which, within reasonable bounds, does good rather than harm.

Letter to Gen. Joseph Hooker - Jan. 26, 1863

I’m a big fan of fighting Joe he has much to do with the victory in Gettysburg as Meade

 

[War Horse]

I’m a big fan of fighting Joe he has much to do with the victory in Gettysburg as Meade

True, it was Hooker’s restructured army that Meade lead into Gettysburg.

 

[frontrank2]

Gen. Sheridan says "If the thing is pressed I think that Lee will surrender. Let the thing be pressed."

April 7, 1865 Telegram to General Grant

 

[frontrank2]

Plainly, the central idea of secession, is the essence of anarchy.

Inaugural Address - March 4, 1861

 

[frontrank2]

I am exceedingly anxious that this Union, the Constitution, and the liberties of the people shall be perpetuated in accordance with the original idea for which that struggle was made, and I shall be most happy indeed if I shall be an humble instrument in the hands of the Almighty, and of this, his almost chosen people, for perpetuating the object of that great struggle.

speech to the NJ Senate - Feb. 21, 1861

 

[JOHN42768]

As worthy as his words were then, they could have been spoken today equally as worthy

 

[frontrank2]

We can scarcely dispense with the aid of West-Virginia in this struggle; much less can we afford to have her against us, in congress and in the field. Her brave and good men regard her admission into the Union as a matter of life and death.

December 31, 1862 Opinion on the Admission of West Virginia into the Union

 

[frontrank2]

I expect to maintain this contest until successful, or till I die, or am conquered, or my term expires, or Congress or the country forsakes me...

June 28, 1862 Letter to William H. Seward

 

[Pete Longstreet]

When I read a quote from Lincoln it sends chills down my spine. He had a magnificent way with words. Unmatched.

 

[frontrank2]

Thoughtful men must feel that the fate of civilization upon this continent is involved in the issue of our contest.

December 27, 1864 Letter to John Maclean

 

[frontrank2]

That is the issue that will continue in this country when these poor tongues of Judge Douglas and myself shall be silent. It is the eternal struggle between these two principles -- right and wrong -- throughout the world. They are the two principles that have stood face to face from the beginning of time, and will ever continue to struggle. The one is the common right of humanity and the other the divine right of kings.

--October 15, 1858 Debate at Alton, Illinois