New York Times assessment of President Lincoln's second inaugural address

[David Lockmiller]

The Inaugural.
Published: March 6, 1865

The President, in assuming the responsibilities of his second term, indulges in but few words. He makes no boasts of what he has done, or promises of what he will do. He does not reexpound the principles of the war; does not redeclare the worth of the Union; does not reproclaim that absolute submission to the Constitution is the only peace. All that he does is simply to advert to the cause of the war, and its amazing development; to recognize in solemn language the righteous judgment of Heaven; and to drop an earnest exhortation that all will now stand by the right, and strive for a peace that shall be just and lasting.

The extreme simplicity of this address, its calmness, its modesty, its reserve, are in complete contrast with the "sound and fury" with which the rebel ruler has recently spoken. It is a contrast that is in perfect keeping with the character and condition of the two causes which the two men lead -- the one cause established solidly on justice, bound to the hearts and consciences of the people beyond all possibility of alienation, full of all the strength which truth imparts, wearing all the prestige which success bestows; the other, without any moral support whatever, effrontery and imposture its chief reliance, its fortunes broken, its doom sealed, yet borrowing new audacity from its very desperation. President LINCOLN can afford to be very brief and very calm; and it well suits the leader of the Confederacy to rave like a madman.

The people's behest is now consummated, and Mr. LINCOLN has stepped into a second term. Every augury is favorable, and high expectations may well possess every loyal heart. But let it not be forgotten that efforts are yet to be made; that burdens are yet to be borne; that possibly reverses and disappointments may yet be allotted us before the final day of triumph. We have a President who will be faithful to the end, let what betide. Let him be sustained with the same fidelity. As in his case let there be trust without presumption; confidence without carelessness; a readiness to meet duty in any shape; composure under every trial; courage that can dare to the utmost; a magnanimity that finds it easy to forgive. (emphasis added)


By going to today's (1/21/2017) online newspaper, you can view the original publication on page 4 of the March 6, 1865 New York Times issue.

[Gene C]

Thanks for sharing that David.

I enjoyed reading the thoughts of someone writing their commentary and expressing their current thoughts from 150 years ago.

Considering how worked up we get about our current political situation and the reporting of it, your post helped add a little more life to a past that is frequently overlooked and under appreciated.

[JMadonna]

No doubt that the writing these days pales compared to the style that was used a century ago. News writers today seem to be obsessed with trying to create catch phrases.