Quotes
-
Soldier 1 : Why are we dying for these Negroes?
President Abraham Lincoln : [on his horse and heard the conversation as the soldiers stood attention] Well, the right to put into his own mouth the bread that his own hands have earned is as equal as any other men, black or white. All I ask for the Negro is that if you don't like him, let him alone. If God gave him but little, that little, let him enjoy.
Soldier 1 : Yes, sir.
President Abraham Lincoln : What's your name, son?
Soldier 1 : James McKnight.
President Abraham Lincoln : [to the second soldier] And you?
Soldier 2 : Askum, sir, Ronald Askum.
President Abraham Lincoln : I thank you for your service, men.
[rode away as the two soldiers stood amazed by Lincoln's words]