A summary about a primary source about american history before 1865 - Essay Example

A primary source about American history before 1865 Abraham Lincoln’s Letter to Horace Greeley, Washington, August 22, 1862
Considered one of the most famous letters by Abraham Lincoln, the letter was in response to Greely’s criticism of Lincoln’s administration. In the criticism, Greely, the editor of New York tribune had claimed that Lincoln’s administration portrayed his defiance of the constitution thus lacked direction. Lincoln therefore responds to the criticism explaining some of his actions key among which included his push for the emancipation of slaves and the country’s position in the American civil war which were going on at the time.
In the letter, President Abraham Lincoln explains his desire to end slavery. Such was a significant stand that had earned him hatred among the white farmers who relied on slave labor. Furthermore, slave trade was a large industry that contributed to the economy of the country at the time. The president restates his desire to end slavery owing to the inhumane aspects it exhibited. He explains that he seeks to end slavery by influencing a change in the country’s constitution. This way, he shows that he respects the constitution. He would only introduce a change in the constitution by influencing the mindset of other elected representatives. In the letter, he expresses his desire in saving the union. The civil war threatened to destabilize the United States. He therefore explains his desire and efforts aimed at ending the civil war thus saving the union. In doing this, he explains will comply with the letters of the constitution and ending slavery thus creating a cohesive state that upholds the values of liberty.
Work cited
Lincoln, Abraham. Letter to Horace Greeley. Washington, August 22, 1862. Internet resource. http://www.abrahamlincolnonline.org/lincoln/speeches/greeley.htm Read More