President Lincoln had some poignant advice, on silence, in regards to unwanted opinions on how to manage the Civil War. These Fools Rushed In, mainly those attempting to evade the draft or other civic responsibilities, with a daily barrage of petitions demanding changes of policy. Many of these outspoken, judgemental and self aggrandizing advisors were pillars of society, business, media, fellow attorneys and most supported Lincoln’s election. President Lincoln could always reach into his bag of tales and put the Lincoln Spin on any story, in order to drive his point home.
Ward Hill Lamon and President Lincoln were discussing a recent spokesman and his entourage, that had just left an audience with the President, burdening Lincoln with another barrage of war counseling. The President related to his friend and confidant, the tale of the farmer trapped, by a fierce storm, miles from his own property. Out of nowhere, the sky blackened, the wind began to howl and thunder shook the earth and lightening coursed the sky in every direction imaginable. The farmer, who had been raised on the desolate prairie was no stranger to these violent acts of God, but his horse had played out and he was afoot, with no shelter in sight. As the western cropper led his horse, the tempest increased in intensity, the thunder unbearably loud and the lightening exploding in scenes of frightening ferocity to the lone farmer. God’s finger of fire descended and crashed close to the frontier denizen, knocking him to his knees, he screamed,
“Oh God! hear my prayer this time, for Thou knowest it is not often that I call upon Thee. And, O Lord! if it is all the same to Thee, give us a little more light and a little less noise.”
Lincoln concluded dejectedly,
” I wish there was a stronger disposition manifested on the part of our civilian warriors to unite in suppressing the rebellion, and a little less noise as to how and by whom the chief executive office shall be administered.”
Lincoln’s position on silence was obvious, as was his patience with the Fools that Rushed In!
Bummer
I’ve long been under the impression that Lincoln had a remarkable ability to control his temper. He suffered no shortage of fools throughout his presidency and did so with few outbursts that I’ve seen recorded.
Louis,
Bummer didn’t get the impression from this dialogue that Lincoln was angry, he was bone-tired of the never ending, ill-informed, meddling that he received on a daily basis. All the President wanted was an occasional bit of peace and quiet. As the “old guy” perceived it, Lincoln was sharing a private moment with an understanding friend.
Bummer
One nice feature of the film Lincoln was its illustration of his use of stories as a coping mechanism.
Pat;
Bummer has always enjoyed Lincoln’s stories. They serve as a comfort and a therapy for the “old guy.” Great job on the “Irish project.” The wife loved it. Thanks for the read!
Bummer