The Papers And Writings Of Abraham Lincoln-VOL. VII (Chap. 3.54)

Song Meaning

This letter from Abraham Lincoln to T. W. Conway, dated March 1, 1865, opens with a tone of genuine pleasure and affirmation. Lincoln expresses his satisfaction upon receiving Conway's report detailing the progress and success in the "moral and physical elevation" of freedmen in the Department of the Gulf. The language suggests a deep personal investment in this work, viewing it as a crucial endeavor. The core of the message lies in Lincoln's firm belief in the ultimate success of these efforts. He attributes this anticipated triumph to a combination of divine favor and the dedication of "good and faithful men" like Conway. This optimistic outlook, tempered by a reliance on both spiritual and human agency, frames the work as a path toward an "earlier and happier consummation" than even the most hopeful observers might predict. The closing, a simple "Yours, A. Lincoln," underscores the personal nature of this official correspondence.