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One of the most fascinating personalities in the history of the United States
was that of our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. Many regard him as the greatest president this nation ever had.
Regardless of your opinion about him, his impact on American history cann ot be refuted.
James Getty has portrayed Abraham Lincoln in Gettysburg since 1978. We include
here a number of questions he has received and how he feels President Lincon would have answered.
Our question comes from Michael R Ianiro, of Childersburg, Alabama, who writes:
Dear Mr. Lincoln,
After the Gettysburg Address, it was said that the county was transformed from a group of states bound together
with the federal goverment playing only a supporting role, to a shift to the federal government playing a dominant
role. Your phrase which focused on the United States seems to be the turning point. Is this what you had intended
to do?
My dear Mr. Ianiro:
I would be flattered to consider that my brief talk at Gettysburg could have made
both listeners and readers re-focus on the necessity for a federal government...by the people. As I had clearly
stated at Cooper Union in February of 1860, no attempt was being made to deprive any southern state of any right,
clearly written down in the Constitution.
However, the Ordinance of 1787 and the Missouri Compromise (1820) clearly defined
the geographic limitations on slavery expansion. I felt the federal government needed to maintain and defend such
laws, and preserve our Union.
The intent on November 19, 1863 was to remember the 1776 birth of this Nation;
composed of its people and its states.. .and to declare to those in attendance that day, ",. it is rather
for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us..."
Your obedient servant,
A. Lincoln (James Getty)
For other questions that have been asked of Mr. Lincoln,
please see "Frequently Asked Dear Mr . Lincoln Questions".
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