Emphasis Preaching Journal
John Drinkwater’s play, Abraham Lincoln...
Illustration
John Drinkwater’s play, Abraham Lincoln, contains a memorable scene. It may not be historically true, but it certainly rings true to Lincoln’s character. In the midst of the Civil War, Lincoln is talking at a social event with a woman who is a strong partisan of the Union. He mentions to her that he has just received news of victory: The Southern army has lost 2,700 men, and the Union only 800. “How splendid!” she replies with enthusiasm. Lincoln is stunned: “How can you be so thrilled at the loss of 3,500 lives?” “Oh, you must not think like that, Mr. President,” she says.