Political Quotes

On the record
In a storm at sea no one on board can wish the ship to sink, and yet not unfrequently all go down together because too many will direct and no single mind can be allowed to control.
Said by
Abraham Lincoln
Republican · Illinois

Editor's note · Context

Lincoln uses a maritime metaphor to illustrate the dangers of divided command.

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More from Abraham Lincoln

Mar 13, 1865

Provost-marshals and marshals of the United States will arrest and commit to military custody all such offenders as shall disregard this order, whether they have passports or not, and they will be detained in such custody until the end of…

presidency.ucsb.edu
Apr 3, 1865

Whereas for some time past evil-disposed persons have crossed the borders of the United States or entered their ports by sea from countries where they are tolerated, and have committed capital felonies against the property and life of…

presidency.ucsb.edu
Apr 11, 1865

I do the very best I know how--the very best I can; and I mean to keep doing so until the end.

gutenberg.org
Apr 11, 1865

Unlike a case of war between independent nations, there is no organized organ for us to treat with,--no one man has authority to give up the rebellion for any other man.

gutenberg.org

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