Certain Ill-Considered Phrases: Edward Bates and the Disunionist Dangers of Radical Rhetoric

Shortly after Abraham Lincoln’s reelection in November 1864, Attorney General Edward Bates submitted his resignation to the president. “Heretofore, it has not been compatible with my ideas of duty to the public & fidelity to you, to leave my post of service for any private considerations, however urgent,” he explained to Lincoln. “Then, the fate of the nation hung, in doubt & gloom.… Now, on the contrary, the affairs of the government display a brighter aspect; and to you, as head & leader of the government, all the honor & good fortune that we hoped for, has come. And it seems to me, under