Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln. Volume 6 [Dec. 13, 1862-Nov. 3, 1863].

To Henry W. Davis1Jump to section

Hon. H. W. Davis Executive Mansion,
My dear Sir Washington, March 18. 1863.

There will be, in the new House of Representatives, as there were in the old, some members openly opposing the war, some supporting it unconditionally, and some supporting it with ``buts'' and ``ifs'' and ``ands.'' They will divide on the organization of the House---on the election of Speaker.

As you ask my opinion, I give it that the supporters of the war should send no man to congress who will not2Jump to section go into caucus with the unconditional supporters of the war, and abide the action

of such caucus, and support in the House,3Jump to section the person therein nominated for Speaker. Let the friends of the government first save the government, and then administer it to their own liking.

Yours truly A. LINCOLN.

P.S. This is not for publication, but to prevent any4Jump to section misunderstanding of what I verbally said to you yesterday. A. L.

Annotation

[1]   ALS, MdHi; ADfS, DLC-RTL. Representative Davis replied on March 20, 1863, ``Your favor of the 18th is all that could be desired & will greatly aid us in bringing our friend to a conclusion such as the interests of the country require.'' (DLC-RTL). The congressman referred to has not been indentified.

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[2]   ``Pledge himself to'' appears at this point in the autograph draft in the Lincoln Papers.

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[3]   ``Support in the House,'' is substituted for ``vote for'' in the autograph draft.

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[4]   ``Any'' does not appear in the autograph draft.

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