"Our One Common Country" author talk in Stratford, CT

[Linda Anderson]

I was interested to read in the book about Lincoln agreeing to gradual emancipation if the South rejoined the Union freely. Right after that statement Hunter said that the South would suffer if the slaves were freed "overnight." I can see Lincoln throwing up his hands in exasperation as if to say, "Well, if you aren't going to agree to my terms, then it's every man for himself," hence the root hog parable.

Mr. Conrad mentioned in his Stratford lecture that Lincoln had wanted to educate the slaves.