Song Meaning
This brief correspondence from Springfield, Illinois, in June 1860, centers on a surprisingly persistent, yet seemingly minor, detail: the correct spelling of Abraham Lincoln's first name. The narrator, identified as A. Lincoln, directly addresses the issue, stating with clear finality, "It is 'Abraham,' and if the letter of acceptance is not yet in print, you may, if you think fit, have my signature thereto printed 'Abraham Lincoln.'" This exchange highlights a peculiar fixation on nomenclature at a pivotal moment.
The dominant tension here isn't political or personal, but orthographic. Lincoln appears weary of the ongoing debate about his name, a detail he finds needs constant clarification. The phrase "never be settled" suggests a recurring annoyance, a small but persistent thorn in his side even as he navigates significant public matters. He delegates the final decision on how his name should appear to Ashmun, indicating a desire to move past the issue.
The most striking aspect of the writing is its polite but firm insistence on accuracy regarding his name. The narrator's careful instruction to Ashmun, "Exercise your judgment about this," is framed by the preceding, unambiguous correction. It reveals a personality that, while willing to delegate, is not willing to compromise on the fundamental fact of his own identity as represented by his name.
This exchange is effective because it offers a glimpse into the meticulous nature of a figure often remembered for grand pronouncements. The focus on such a granular detail—the spelling of a first name—humanizes Lincoln, showing him to be concerned with precise representation even in the face of potentially larger concerns. It underscores the idea that even the most significant historical figures grapple with mundane, yet personally important, details.
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