Book Review Lincoln s Sword: The Presidency and the Power of Words by Douglas L. Wilson

Transcription

1 Book Review Lincoln s Sword: The Presidency and the Power of Words by Douglas L. Wilson Frank B. Cook Bi-County Collaborative Franklin, MA Seminar on Teaching American History: Year 2 Dr. Peter Gibbon September 22, 2011

2 2 Wilson, Douglas L. Lincoln s Sword: The Presidency and the Power of Words. New York: Vintage Books, In the slightly more than two centuries of the American experience, fourty-four men have achieved the ultimate honor of serving as the nation s president. All spoke words that addressed issues of their day, some spoke words which were soon forgotten, and even fewer spoke words which became an integral component of America s history. Yet of all the presidents, none reached the lasting and memorable level achieved by our sixteenth president, Abraham Lincoln. In Lincoln s Sword: The Presidency and the Power of Words, historian Douglas Wilson examines how Lincoln s understanding and effective application of the written and spoken word transformed his presidency, the nation, and created an enduring legacy. Although Lincoln continues to be held in such high regard by Americans 150-years removed from his presidency, Wilson is careful to remind us that this was not always true. He notes, for example, that Lincoln was not a national hero (Wilson, 7) when he occupied the White House, and that his nomination had been a disappointment to the literati. (Wilson, 7) As students of history, we are familiar with the criticism Lincoln received after taking office. In response, Lincoln turned to one of his strengths: writing. Wilson details how Lincoln effectively used this strength as a weapon to silence his critics. This effectiveness is now part of our common heritage as Americans. Yet, as Wilson notes, this achievement is all the more remarkable when we consider that many of the presidential writings for which Lincoln is best known - the Emancipation Proclamation, the Gettysburg Address, the Second Inaugural - were formulations of ideas and positions that were not immediately popular. (Wilson, 7) From this as a starting point, Wilson proceeds to examine how Lincoln became such a tremendous, if not gifted, writer. In retrospect, by viewing Lincoln s early introduction to words,

3 3 it is more easily understood how he came to understand the power contained within words and how this could be of benefit. Wilson also points out how Lincoln clearly understood the difference between the written and spoken word and how he was able to avail himself of the technology of the day to ensure the correct message was accurately conveyed. For example, Wilson poignantly describes Lincoln s emotional departure from Springfield, Illinois in February 1861 to travel to Washington for the inauguration. Aboard the train after delivering the speech, Lincoln tactfully rewrote the words for those who would later read the words. Wilson explains that Lincoln knew from long experience that addressing a live audience is very different from addressing readers on the page... a speaker can gauge its (the audience) mood and receptiveness and can take immediate advantage of its reactions. The writer must rely on other devices... (Wilson, 14) With this as a background, the author examines several key speeches delivered by Lincoln while serving as president. Each speech offers an insight into the intellectual ability of Lincoln and how carefully he crafted the intended message. Wilson consistently displays how Lincoln knew his words must carry something else to be widely effective - the flavor of common experience and speech. (Wilson, 280) It was this understanding, coupled with a love of writing, and understanding of how to effectively use words, which powered Lincoln into not only the upper echelon of American presidents, but also marked him as one of the more prolific and effective writers of the nineteenth century. Reviewer s Evaluation An old adage reminds us that the pen is mightier than the sword. As presented in Wilson s Lincoln s Sword, the validity of this statement is clearly presented. Despite the

4 4 volumes of literature on Lincoln, few if any of these books provide such an intensive examination of the important role that words played in the personal life and administration of Abraham Lincoln. In many respects, this book can be viewed as a biography of Lincoln s development as a writer. The author reveals how from a young child Lincoln was attracted to learning how to read and write, a skill set which continued to interest him throughout his life. Wilson shows the ongoing intellectual growth which Lincoln experienced and the humanity of a person who found comfort and solace, as well as a means of effectively expressing himself, in words. In accordance with this concept, one of the most valuable contributions provided by Wilson, which tremendously enhances our understanding, was the knowledge he provided of Lincoln s unique ability to find the right words with which to frame his own thoughts and those of others. (Wilson, 21) This was a talent he first displayed as an Indiana farm boy on behalf of his neighbors who were unable to write, an amazing ability considering his age and limited education. Throughout his life this ability continually served Lincoln and, thanks to Wilson s outstanding book, enables us to better understand how as president, Lincoln was able to make that connection with the American people which was vital to the implementation of his policies. I found the detailed information on the development of some of Lincoln s greatest speeches quite interesting. As expected in an examination of this topic, Wilson delves into the Gettysburg Address, and provides a wonderful service to students of that period by addressing the myths that subsequently developed. These include the notion that the address was dashed off quickly (Wilson, 217) and the suggestion... largely based on the account of Ward Hill Lamon (Wilson, 227) that the speech was a failure.

5 5 The one unexpected surprise was the lack of similar indepth research into what was arguably Lincoln s greatest speech, his Cooper Union address in February 1860, the speech which Lincoln identified as the event that propelled him into the White House in that fall s election. To his credit, Wilson did reference it and emphasized that Lincoln presented impressive original research and compelling arguments (Wilson, 43) on the slavery argument. However, I would have liked to gain Wilson s view on how Lincoln collected his material and presented his argument in such an effective manner, particularly since this was one of the longest addresses Lincoln ever delivered. Again, this was a marvelous book and I highly recommend it not only for students of history, but also for aspiring political scientists and those in any position who must deliver persuasive presentations. A careful reading of this book provides insight into the art of speechmaking which can only benefit speakers. Pedagogical Approach American slavery is arguably the one issue that Abraham Lincoln is most directly linked. Historians continue to disagree on just how sincere our sixteenth president was in ending slavery. As we know, he was personally and morally opposed to the peculiar institution. However, as a lawyer he also understood the necessity of upholding the established laws of the land. An analysis of his writings reflects the degree of Lincoln s mental wrestling with this issue, particularly during the Civil War. To assist our students in understanding the complexity of the moral dilemma faced by Lincoln, and how he eventually resolved this internal conflict, the students will first compare and contrast selected writings of the president on slavery. The objective is to discover his position as he entered the presidency and how his view had changed by the end of that first term. The

6 6 students will be directed to read Lincoln s two inaugural speeches and closely examine how Lincoln addressed the slave issue at those times. Due to the length of the first address, and language usage that is it is different from today, it is suggested that the teacher review and provide the applicable portions to the students. In their reading of the First Inaugural Address, the students should see the deliberate effort Lincoln made to separate the issues of slavery and secession, while emphasizing preservation of the Union as his priority, in particular: I have no purpose, directly or indirectly, to interfere with the institution of slavery in the States where it exists. I believe I have no lawful right to do so, and I have no inclination to do so. (Lincoln s First Inaugural Address, 3rd paragraph) One section of our country believes slavery is right and ought to be extended, while the other believes it is wrong and ought not to be extended. This is the only substantial dispute. The fugitive-slave clause of the Constitution and the law for the suppression of the foreign slave trade are each as well enforced, perhaps, as any law can ever be in a community where the moral sense of the people imperfectly supports the law itself. The great body of the people abide by the dry legal obligation in both cases, and a few break over in each. (Lincoln s First Inaugural Address, 27th paragraph) In your hands, my dissatisfied fellow-countrymen, and not in mine, is the momentous issue of civil war. The Government will not assail you. You can have no conflict without being yourselves the aggressors. (Lincoln s First Inaugural Address, 34th paragraph) The Second Inaugural Address, delivered in March 1865, reveals a different Lincolnian view toward slavery. This address is considered by some historians as the greatest inaugural speech ever delivered by a president, and one of Lincoln s finest. As it s length is less than two pages, and the language less complex than the address delivered four years earlier, it is suggested that it be provided in its entirety. The key parts to emphasize are: One-eighth of the whole population were colored slaves, not distributed generally over the Union, but localized in the Southern part of it. These slaves constituted a peculiar and powerful interest. All knew that this interest was, somehow, the cause of the war. To

7 7 strengthen, perpetuate, and extend this interest was the object for which the insurgents would rend the Union, even by war; while the government claimed no right to do more than to restrict the territorial enlargement of it. (Lincoln s Second Inaugural Address, 3rd paragraph) If we shall suppose that American Slavery is one of those offences which, in the providence of God, must needs come, but which, having continued through His appointed time, He now wills to remove, and that He gives to both North and South, this terrible war, as the woe due to those by whom the offence came, shall we discern therein any departure from those divine attributes which the believers in a Living God always ascribe to Him?... Yet, if God wills that it continue, until all the wealth piled by the bond-man s two hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash, shall be paid by another drawn with the sword... (Lincoln s Second Inaugural Address, 3rd paragraph) Having established the change in Lincoln s view of slavery, the students will then examine why the president adopted a new position and, most importantly, how he was able to convince the Northerners to support this monumental change in viewpoint. Wilson s book, particularly pages address this issue and serves as a valuable reference. This portion of the lesson can be accomplished by discussion groups, supplemented by a worksheet with applicable questions designed to guide the discussion. Lincoln was successful in convincing the North to overall embrace his revised position on slavery, a position in which he was able to combine his moral dislike of slavery with his understanding of the law. But without Lincoln s superb writing skills, and his ability to effectively communicate with the American people - as wonderfully detailed in Wilson s book - this would have been impossible. The aim of this lesson is to have our students gain a deeper understanding of how Abraham Lincoln effectively used the power of words to not only become one of the most effective American presidents, but also to transform the nation.