Horace Greeley to Abraham Lincoln, May 19, 1861

New York, May 19, 1861.

Dear Sir:

The intelligence that the War for the Union is to be prosecuted with emphatic vigor, and that the traitors are to be thrown back from Washington in every direction causes general rejoicing here. We feel that the struggle thus prosecuted, cannot be of long duration. All are confident that the result will justify our fondest hopes.

The one drawback on the general satisfaction is the existence of wide-spread complaint and heart-burning with regard to the acceptance of this regiment and the rejection of that and the other.— These men have volunteered to defend the country on its own terms, they cannot be made to see why they should not be taken. The report that all who are efficient and ready are henceforth to be accepted, rejoices every loyal heart. I trust that report is well-founded; if it be not, I pray you to make it so at the earliest moment, and thereby gratify millions beside

Yours,

Horace Greeley.

Hon. A. Lincoln, Washington.

SOURCE: Abraham Lincoln Papers at the Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.