On the record
Lincoln made a serious mistake in defeating a measure, which, if adopted, would have averted many if not all the difficulties that subsequently arose in the reconstruction of the rebel states.
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gutenberg.orgJohn Sherman: “Lincoln made a serious mistake in defeating a measure, which, if adopted, would have averted many if not all the…”
Editor's note · Context
Sherman critiques Lincoln's decision to defeat a bill that could have eased post-Civil War reconstruction challenges.
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The Union already embraces discordant elements enough without adding others.
Our family of states is already large enough to create embarrassment in the Senate, and a republic should not hold dependent provinces or possessions.
Though my grateful thanks are due to them and have been often expressed, yet I have felt, as they do, that my duty was to the whole country.
If my life is prolonged I will do all I can to add to the strength and prosperity of the United States, but nothing to extend its limits or to add new dangers by acquisition of foreign territory.
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