Abraham Lincoln wrote these powerful words in a note to his Secretary of War, Edwin Stanton, on March 18, 1864. The two were corresponding about discharging Confederate prisoners of war who did not wish to be exchanged for Union prisoners, and who were willing to take an oath of allegiance to the Union.
During a speech at New Haven, Connecticut in 1860, Abraham Lincoln outlined his desire for all people, no matter their race, to have the unobstructed right to create wealth:
"I take it that it is best for all to leave each man free to acquire property as fast as he can. Some will get wealthy. I don't believe in a law to prevent a man from getting rich; it would do more harm than good. . . . I want every man to have the chance-and I believe a black man is entitled to it-in which he can better his condition; when he may look forward and hope to be a hired laborer this year and the next, work for himself afterward, and finally to hire men to work for him!"
"I take it that it is best for all to leave each man free to acquire property as fast as he can. Some will get wealthy. I don't believe in a law to prevent a man from getting rich; it would do more harm than good. . . . I want every man to have the chance-and I believe a black man is entitled to it-in which he can better his condition; when he may look forward and hope to be a hired laborer this year and the next, work for himself afterward, and finally to hire men to work for him!"
