The Papers And Writings Of Abraham Lincoln-VOL. VI (Chap. 1.88)

Song Meaning

This is a curt, direct dispatch from Abraham Lincoln to Governor O. P. Morton, dated June 28, 1862, from the War Department. The tone is one of immediate, almost defensive, clarification regarding political appointments under a tax law. Lincoln states he has no memory of John R. Cravens or Cyrus M. Allen being nominated to him for these positions. The core tension lies in a potential political slight or misunderstanding. Lincoln addresses the implication that he might have made an appointment specifically to undermine Governor Morton, stating plainly, "No appointment has been or will be made by me for the purpose of stabbing you." This suggests a delicate political landscape where appointments could be perceived as acts of aggression. The most striking aspect of the writing is its stark efficiency. There's no preamble, no flowery language, just a direct refutation of a perceived slight. Lincoln’s mention of Cyrus M. Allen as a personal friend, while simultaneously acknowledging Allen is not the Governor's friend, adds a layer of personal complication to the political maneuverings. The effectiveness of these lyrics stems from their unvarnished authenticity. It reads like a genuine, urgent piece of correspondence, cutting through potential political intrigue with blunt honesty. The brevity and directness convey a sense of Lincoln’s focus on the immediate task at hand, even amidst potential internal conflict.