Grade 11 - “This Day in History,” “Prayer of Twenty Millions” by Horace Greeley, and “The Union and Slavery” by Abraham Lincoln

argued for

suggested

mentioned briefly

discussed

“monopoly”

“promote”

“reform”

“launched”

On August 20, 1862, Horace Greeley, a prominent newspaper editor, wrote a letter to Abraham Lincoln demanding that Lincoln free the slaves. Greeley did not realize that Lincoln was already planning on emancipation.

Horace Greeley was a newspaper editor, most well-known for his opposition to the Practice of slavery. On August 20, 1862, he wrote a letter to Abraham Lincoln, asking him to free the slaves in Union-held territory.

On August 20, 1862, Horace Greeley, an abolitionist, wrote a letter to Abraham Lincoln arguing that Lincoln should end slavery. This letter motivated Lincoln to issue The Emancipation Proclamation.

Horace Greeley wanted Abraham Lincoln to free the slaves in Union held-territory. So, On August 20, 1862, Greeley published an editorial that called for immediate emancipation of the slaves in the border states.

“Congress had approved the appropriation of Confederate property, including slaves, as awar measure, but many generals were reluctant to enforce the acts, as was the Lincoln administration.”

“Greeley, along with many abolitionists, argued vociferously for a war policy constructed On the eradication of slavery. President Lincoln did not outwardly share these sentiments.”

“Although he did not admit it publicly at the time, Lincoln was planning to Emancipate slaves. He did so a month later with his preliminary Emancipation Proclamation.”

“For the war’s first year and a half, Lincoln was reluctant to alienate the border states Of Missouri, Kentucky, Maryland, and Delaware, which practiced slavery but had not seceded.”

urgent

absolutely necessary

all-encompassing

thoughtful

“provisions”

“regard”

“remiss”

“duty”

Lincoln must enforce the Confiscation Acts in the border states to create a sense of national unity.

The representatives of the border states will agree with the ideas that have been put forth in the letter.

The Confiscation Acts frees slaves in Union-controlled territories.

Men who continue to own slaves are traitors toward the Union cause.

”Those provisions were designed to fight Slavery with Liberty.”

“It seems to us the most obvious truth, that whatever strengthens or fortifies Slavery in the Border States strengthens also Treason. . .”

“They prescribe that men loyal to the Union, and willing to shed their blood in her behalf,shall no longer be held, with the nations consent, in bondage. . .”

“Why these traitors should be treated with tenderness by you, to the prejudice of The dearest rights of loyal men, we cannot conceive.”

“So emphatically is this the case, that a most intelligent Union banker of Baltimore recently avowed his confident belief that a majority of the present Legislature of Maryland, though elected as and still professing to be Unionists, are at heart desirous of the triumph of the Jeff. Davis conspiracy…”

“I write only to set succinctly and unmistakably before you what we require, what we think we have a right to expect, and of what we complain.”

“We think you are unduly influenced by the counsels, the representations, the menaces, of certain fossil politicians hailing from the Border Slave States.”

It seems to us the most obvious truth, that whatever strengthens or fortifies Slavery in the Border States strengthens also Treason. . .”

By beginning with the explanation that he is “sorely disappointed” and then Further explaining why, Greeley builds the argument that Lincoln is failing as the leader of the country.

By listing specific complaints, Greeley builds his perspective that Lincoln cannot subject the country to his own personal beliefs and disregard public opinion.

By gradually increasing the length of each complaint, Greeley highlights the importance of the argument that representatives of the border states have too much power.

By beginning each complaint with the word “We,” Greeley builds the argument that all politicians feel that Lincoln is failing.

His exaggerated descriptions of “fossil politicians” creates a scornful tone, revealing his understanding that Lincoln responds best when he is challenged.

His use of strong terms like “malignant traitors” creates an accusatory tone, revealing his passion for the cause of ending slavery at whatever cost.

His note that he will write “succulently and unmistakably” creates a brisk tone, revealing his expectation that Lincoln will quickly change to his position.

His reference to “eminent loyalists” creates a condescending tone, revealing his belief that he knows more than Lincoln regarding how best to end the war.

By italicizing the most important word in each sentence, Lincoln emphasizes the Challenge of ending slavery before ending the war.

By italicizing antonyms, Lincoln reveals his masterful ability to build toward his Point that,despite his personal distaste for slavery, ending the war is more important.

By italicizing words in the final paragraph, Lincoln mirrors Greeley’s structure of Concluding his letter with the most important points.

By italicizing words that were also used in Greeley’s letter, Lincoln reveals his ability to contradict Greeley’s claims.

Lincoln understands Greeley’s concerns, but Lincoln’s primary goal is to end the war with the Union intact.

Lincoln believes Greeley has some valid points, but Lincoln is first and foremost Concerned with keeping the border states in the Union.

Lincoln feels Greeley’s accusations are unwarranted, but Lincoln understands that Greeley also wants to keep the Union together.

Lincoln realizes that Greeley is frustrated, but Lincoln’s main focus is to determine the bestway to free the slaves while also saving the Union.

By using a similar structure for each sentence, Lincoln builds his position that preserving the Union is more important than ending slavery, an issue he, as president, must take ownership of.

By describing the war as a “struggle,” Lincoln emphasizes how challenging it is to bring the Union together.

By repeating the word “forebear,” Lincoln politely condemns the belief that ending slavery is more important than ending the war.

By repeating the word “Union” Lincoln shows his perspective that ending the war Will resolve issues associated with slavery.

“I have here stated my purpose according to my view of official duty, and I intend No modification to my oft-expressed personal wish that all men, everywhere, could be free.”

“If there be in it any inferences which I may believe to be falsely drawn, I do not now and here argue against them.”

“As to the policy, I ‘seem to be pursuing,’ as you say, I have not meant to leave any one indoubt.”

“What I do about Slavery and the colored race, I do because I believe it helps to save this Union, and what I forbear, I forbear because I do not believe it would help save the Union.”