The Papers And Writings Of Abraham Lincoln-VOL. VII (Chap. 3.46)

Song Meaning

This is not a song lyric, but a historical telegram from Abraham Lincoln to Major-General J. Pope, dated February 14, 1865. Lincoln is inquiring about a "pending assessment in St. Louis County" and asks Pope to investigate whether it should proceed. He specifically requests Pope to examine the "propriety of its application to a gentleman by the name of Charles McLaran. The core of the message revolves around a financial or legal assessment that is causing concern. Lincoln, acting in his executive capacity, is seeking detailed information and a judgment from his subordinate. The tone is formal and direct, typical of official correspondence during wartime, but the specific mention of an individual suggests a personal or at least a carefully considered intervention. The craft here is in the precise, almost legalistic language used to convey a complex request. Phrases like "provost-marshal system," "pending assessment," and "propriety of its application" indicate a need for careful, thorough review. Lincoln is not issuing a direct order but soliciting an informed decision, demonstrating a method of governance that relies on trusted advisors for specific details. What makes this text compelling is the glimpse it offers into the administrative burdens of the presidency during a critical period. Lincoln, while leading a nation through civil war, is also personally involved in ensuring fairness in local assessments, even down to the "application to a gentleman." It highlights the dual nature of his responsibilities: grand strategy and granular oversight.