Iowa Heritage Digital Collections
State Library of Iowa

79. Lincoln to Missouri Gov. Thomas Fletcher on local meetings to resolve Missouri's internal conflicts

Title

79. Lincoln to Missouri Gov. Thomas Fletcher on local meetings to resolve Missouri's internal conflicts

Description

Letter from Abraham Lincoln to Missouri Governor Thomas C. Fletcher suggesting that opposing factions in the state be encouraged to hold neighborhood meetings to pledge mutual commitment to ending the state's internal conflicts. February 20, 1865. Copy.

Date

1865-02-20

Contributor

Becki Plunkett and Stephen Vincent

Rights

Copyright State Historical Society of Iowa. Information at http://www.iowahistory.org/libraries/services-and-fees/conditions-for-image-reproductions.html

Digital Reproduction Information

Original scanned at 600 dpi w/ sRGB color space.

Repository

State Historical Society of Iowa, Des Moines

Repository Collection

Special Collections: Abraham Lincoln Collection

Digital item created

9/29/2008

Transcription

Executive Mansion[,] Washington, Feb. 20. 1865. His Excellency Gov. [Thomas Clement] Fletcher, It seems that there is now no organized military force of the enemy in Missouri, and yet that destruction of property and life is rampant everywhere. Is not the cure for this within easy reach of the people themselves? It can not but be, that everyman not naturally a robber or cut-throat, would gladly put an end to this state of things. A large majority in every locality must feeling upon this subject; and if so, they only need to reach an understanding one with another. Each leaving all others alone solves the whole problem. And surely each would do this, but for his apprehension that others will not leave him alone. Can not this mischievous distrust be removed? Let neighborhood meetings, be everywhere called and held, of all entertaining a sincere purpose for mutual security in the future, whatever they may heretofore have thought, said, or done about the war, or about anything else. Let all such meet, and waiving all else, pledge each [to?] ceese [sic] harrassing [sic] others, and to make common cause against whomever persists in making, aiding, encouraging further disturbance. The practical means they will best know how to adopt and apply. At such meetings, old friendships will cross the memory; and honor and Christian charity will come in to help. Please consider whether it may not be well to suggest this to the now afflicted people of Missouri. Yours truly[,] A. Lincoln (signed)