It is worthy of note that while in this, the government's hour of trial, large numbers of those in the army and navy who have been favoured with the offices have resigned and proved false to the hand which had pampered them, not one common soldier or common sailor is known to have deserted his flag.
Editor's note · Context
Lincoln highlighted the loyalty of common soldiers and sailors during the government's crisis, contrasting it with the desertion of some favored officers.
Share
More from Abraham Lincoln
Second. That the flag, when raised, be saluted by one hundred guns from Fort Sumter and by a national salute from every fort and rebel battery that fired upon Fort Sumter.
Whenever I hear any one arguing for slavery, I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally.
Fourth. That the naval forces at Charleston and their commander on that station be invited to participate in the ceremonies of the occasion.
Grant that he desires the elective franchise, will he not attain it sooner by saving the already advanced steps towards it, than by running backward over them?





