Quote by Abraham Lincoln
"Abraham Lincoln once asked Gen. Winfield Scott this question: "Why is it that you were once able to take the City of Mexico in three months with five thousand men, and we have been unable to take Richmond with one hundred thousand men?" "I will tell you," said General Scott, "The men who took us into the City of Mexico are the same men who are keeping us out of Richmond"..."

— Abraham Lincoln

Confederate Veteran Magazine, September 1913

Historical Significance

Lincoln's recognition of armed citizenry's effectiveness in warfare

Context

Civil War period acknowledgment of citizen-soldiers' military capabilities

Context

Civil War period acknowledgment of citizen-soldiers’ military capabilities

Historical Significance

Lincoln’s recognition of armed citizenry’s effectiveness in warfare