Proud To Be an American

A Civil War officer had disobeyed an order. “I believe I’ll sit down,” said Secretary Stanton, “and give that man a piece of my mind.”

“Do so,” said President Abraham Lincoln, ” write him now while you have it in your mind. Make it sharp. Cut him all up.”

Secretary Stanton did not need a second invitation. He left and returned later with a “bone-crusher” of a letter that he read to the President.

“That’s right,” said Lincoln. “That’s a good one.”

“Whom can I send it by?” asked the Secretary.

“Send it!” replied Lincoln, ” send it! Why don’t send it all. Tear it up. You have freed your mind on the subject, and that’s all that is necessary. Tear it up. You never want to send such letters. I never do.” (The Wit and Wisdom of Abraham Lincoln, 1994, Barnes & Nobel Books)

I’m proud to be an American.