The Women of America
Document B
Remarks at Washington D.C. Sanitary Fair
Note: Please view the instructional video for additional context.
Essential Questions:
What does this letter teach us about how Lincoln viewed the role of women in the United States?
Essential Questions:
What does this letter teach us about how Lincoln viewed the role of women in the United States?
Remarks at Closing of Sanitary Fair, Washington, D. C.
March 18, 1864
Ladies and Gentlemen: I appear to say but a word. This extra-ordinary war in which we are engaged falls heavily upon all classes of people, but the most heavily upon the soldier. For it has been said, all that a man hath will he give for his life; and while all contribute of their substance the soldier puts his life at stake, and often yields it up in his country's cause. The highest merit, then, is due to the soldier. [Cheers.]
In this extraordinary war extraordinary developments have manifested themselves, such as have not been seen in former wars; and amongst these manifestations nothing has been more remarkable than these fairs for the relief of suffering soldiers and their families. And the chief agents in these fairs are the women of America. [Cheers.]
I am not accustomed to the use of language of eulogy; I have never studied the art of paying compliments to women; but I must say that if all that has been said by orators and poets since the creation of the world in praise of woman were applied to the women of America, it would not do them justice for their conduct during this war. I will close by saying God bless the women of America! [Great applause.]
March 18, 1864
Ladies and Gentlemen: I appear to say but a word. This extra-ordinary war in which we are engaged falls heavily upon all classes of people, but the most heavily upon the soldier. For it has been said, all that a man hath will he give for his life; and while all contribute of their substance the soldier puts his life at stake, and often yields it up in his country's cause. The highest merit, then, is due to the soldier. [Cheers.]
In this extraordinary war extraordinary developments have manifested themselves, such as have not been seen in former wars; and amongst these manifestations nothing has been more remarkable than these fairs for the relief of suffering soldiers and their families. And the chief agents in these fairs are the women of America. [Cheers.]
I am not accustomed to the use of language of eulogy; I have never studied the art of paying compliments to women; but I must say that if all that has been said by orators and poets since the creation of the world in praise of woman were applied to the women of America, it would not do them justice for their conduct during this war. I will close by saying God bless the women of America! [Great applause.]
Source: Remarks at Closing of Sanitary Fair, March 18, 1864 in The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln: Volume I. http://quod.lib.umich.edu/l/lincoln/
Image Source: Maryland State Archives: http://msa.maryland.gov/msa/speccol/sc5400/sc5494/html/hall_interior.jpg
Image Source: Maryland State Archives: http://msa.maryland.gov/msa/speccol/sc5400/sc5494/html/hall_interior.jpg