Song Meaning
This brief, formal note from Abraham Lincoln to the Postmaster-General, dated March 13, 1861, centers on a simple request for patronage. Lincoln is advocating for a Virginian named C. T. Hempstow, who seeks a "small place" in the Postmaster's department for his son. The tone is polite and direct, typical of official correspondence.
The core of the message lies in Lincoln's subtle plea for regional representation. He explicitly states, "I think Virginia should be heard, in such cases." This suggests a political awareness of the need to balance appointments and acknowledge the importance of states, particularly Virginia, in the national landscape as the nation teeters on the brink of division.
The craft here is in its understated advocacy. Lincoln doesn't demand; he suggests. The phrase "small place" downplays the request, making it seem reasonable, while the emphasis on the applicant being "a Virginian" highlights the demographic consideration. The closing "LINCOLN." is stark and authoritative, yet the preceding sentence softens the directness of the request.
This communication is effective because it reveals a pragmatic leader navigating the early days of his presidency. It shows Lincoln engaging in the everyday business of government, making personal endorsements while also signaling a broader political strategy of inclusion and appeasement, even in seemingly minor personnel decisions.
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