Logan, John Alexander (1826-1886) to Mrs. E. F. Strickland
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04732 Author/Creator: Logan, John Alexander (1826-1886) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 12 March 1883 Pagination: 1 p. ; 20 x 11.9 cm. Order a Copy
Written on Senate stationery. Logan, a United States Senator from Illinois, writes "Prior to the success of the Union armies, in the contest against secession, Freedom in this country was a sham and a mockery. Now it is a verity. There is however a danger to free institutions, arising in our midst, that should be watched with a zealous eye, that is the corrupting influence of the use of [money?]..." Written on U. S. Senate Chamber, Washington, D.C. stationery.
Logan was a United States Representative from Illinois 1859-1862, 1867-1870, and Senator 1871-1876 and 1879-1886. He also served as a Union General during the Civil War.
Recd May 1/83
March 12, 83
Dear Madam.
Prior to the success of the Union armies, in the contest against secession, Freedom in this country was a sham and a mockery. Now it is a verity. There is however a danger to free institutions, arising in our midst, that should be watched [inserted: with] a zealous eye. That is the corrupting influence of the use of memory. A thoughtless people may become entrusted in its musks, and loose their trusted liberties in an unguarded moment.
Mrs Strickland } Very respectfully
Chicago} John A. Logan
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.