Why President Lincoln continues the war
From The Papers And Writings Of Abraham Lincoln, Volume Seven:
ADDRESS TO THE 166TH OHIO REGIMENT,
AUGUST 22, 1864.
SOLDIERS—I suppose you are going home to see your families and friends. For the services you have done in this great struggle in which we are engaged, I present you sincere thanks for myself and the country.
Mr. Lincoln a temporary tenant
I almost always feel inclined, when I say anything to soldiers, to impress upon them, in a few brief remarks, the importance of success in this contest. It is not merely for the day, but for all time to come, that we should perpetuate for our children’s children that great and free government which we have enjoyed all our lives. I beg you to remember this, not merely for my sake, but for yours. I happen, temporarily, to occupy this big White House. I am a living witness that any one of your children may look to come here as my father’s child has. It is in order that each one of you may have, through this free government which we have enjoyed, an open field, and a fair chance for your industry, enterprise, and intelligence; that you may all have equal privileges in the race of life with all its desirable human aspirations—it is for this that the struggle should be maintained, that we may not lose our birthrights—not only for one, but for two or three years, if necessary. The nation is worth fighting for, to secure such an inestimable jewel.
The 166th Ohio Infantry was a “100 days” regiment made up of Ohio militia mustered into federal service in May 1864. They were supposed to guard rear areas to free up other troops for the Army of the Potomac’s advance into Virginia. The regiment lost 29 or 39 men to disease during its relatively brief service.
“Unidentified soldier in Ohio Volunteer Militia uniform with bedroll and musket
” (LOC)
