Sarah Josepha Buell Hale’s letter to president Abraham Lincoln was written with an intent to have Lincoln recognize Thanksgiving as a national holiday. Hale had felt that the recognition of Thanksgiving was a matter that needed to be addressed and executed in a brief manner. By establishing herself as an individual with great influence, Hale was then able to relate her proposal to the current issues Lincoln was facing. Hale was a reliable source for many due to the fact she was the editor of the “Lady’s Book”, a highly circulated magazine among women in the United States during the civil war.
She wanted Lincoln to recognize her as a reliable source as well by repeatedly referring to herself as the “Editress of the “Lady’s Book”” (1).
Through this repetition Lincoln was often reminded of Hale’s influential status, and the validity behind her thoughts. Hale not only established her own credibility, but reminded Lincoln of his as well. Hale referred to Lincoln as President Lincoln or President of the United States throughout the letter. By doing so Lincoln was constantly reminded of not only his title, but the actions he was allowed to perform under the title (actions such as appointing Thanksgiving a national holiday).
Hale gave credibility to her proposal as well by stating that both, Governor (General) Banks and Governor Morgan both had agreed to her proposal. Hale validated her sources opinion even more by stating, “[B]oth gentlemen as you will see, have nobly aided to bring about the desired Thanksgiving Union” (1).
The Essay on United State President Johnson Clinton
Abuse ofAquittals The Acquittals Abuse of power has never been welcomed by society. Whether it is in the home, on the job, in our schools or in our government, society subjects these abuses of power to investigation and prosecution. The penalties can be a dismissal from their position, court marshal or impeachment for the president. According to Article II, Section 4 of the Constitution, the ...
Through this elaboration Hale had allowed Lincoln to hear the viewpoint of other trusted sources, and not just her own. Hale not only successfully established herself and her ideas a credible, but reminded Lincoln of his credibility as well.
During the time of the civil war supporting the country was a huge part of the society, and it was a part in which Hale was able to utilize in a way that supported her proposal. Hale said in her letter, “[T]here has been an increasing effort felt in our land to have Thanksgiving held on the same day, in all the States” (1).
By saying “[A]ll the States” (1), Hale gave Lincoln a belief that by approving her proposal the nation would remain as one. Hale’s repeated use of the word union supported the beliefs of Lincoln as well.
Lincoln’s main objective during the civil war was to keep the union together as a whole, and through the repetition of the word, union, Lincoln was advised of the actions required to bring the union together. Hale also refers to Thanksgiving as a “National and Fixed Union Festival” (1).
By referring to Thanksgiving as a National and fixed Union Festival, Hale is able to have Lincoln understand how appointing Thanksgiving a national holiday, could unify the country once more.
Since Hale’s proposal was a long term change, it implied the belief that this custom would not just unite the country in their current disagreement, but unite the country during any future disagreements as well. By relating her proposal to the needs of the current governmental status, Hale greatly improved the appeal Lincoln had towards her ideas. By informing Lincoln of her respected social status, Hale was able to capitalize on the current state of government. She was then able to promote her proposal for the recognition of Thanksgiving as a national Holiday, emphasizing on the solidity of the nation as a whole.
