ABRAHAM LINCOLN

As part of our Black History month, volunteers looked this researched Bullis books on the subject of the Sixteenth President of the United States and his role in the abolishment of slavery in this country. One document in the collection that immediately caught our eye is:

Memorial Address on the

Life and Character of Abraham Lincoln:

Delivered, at the request of both houses of the

congress of America, before them,

in the House of Representatives at Washington, 

on the 12th of February, 1866

by George Bancroft (1800-1891)

Published by Washington Government Printing Office, 1866

Here is a quote from  this message delivered 150 years ago yesterday:

"Jefferson and the leading statesmen of his day held fast to the idea that the enslavement of the African was socially, morally and politically wrong. The new school was founded exactly upon the opposite idea; and they resolved, first to distract the democratic party, for which the Supreme Court had furnished the means, and then to establish a new government, with negro slavery for its corner-stone as socially, morally and politically right.

The storm rose to a whirlwind; who should allay its wrath? The most experienced statesmen of the country had failed;  there was no hope from those who were great after the flesh; ... could relief come from one whose wisdom was like the wisdom of little children?

"The choice of America fell on a man born west of the Alleghenies in the cabin of poor people of Hardin County, Kentucky  -- Abraham Lincoln." (pages 15 and 16)

When you're in MPL this week, we suggest you take a closer look at this document.  We think you'll find it an interesting and informative read.