An Evening with Abraham Lincoln

By Stanley A. Wernz

Presentation to CCWRT on 19 February 2009, Summarized by Dan Bauer

©Cincinnati CWRT, 2009

Stanley Wernz gave our round table a riveting first person in costume portrayal of our 16th President, Abraham Lincoln. In his 47 minute, completely memorized presentation, Wernz chronicled the life of Lincoln from his days as an Illinois lawyer through to his efforts in getting the 13th amendment ratified. Included were many of Lincoln's quotes, writings, and excerpts from speeches. This material provided insight into Lincoln's thoughts on the importance of preserving the Union, the anguish felt over the terrible loss of life caused by the war, and his reliance upon God to give him guidance.

Most of the presentation was done in the deliberate pace and melancholy tone that was said to be the dominate trait of Lincoln's personality. However, Wernz would also at times raise the volume of his voice and change the pace from slow to fast and then back to slow again. This alternating use of volume and pace along with an outstanding choice of content kept the room focused on his every word. Wernz was able to capture the passion and conviction that was the essence of Lincoln. Just as Wernz made his presentation in first person, the remainder of this review will summarize the talk as if it was Lincoln talking and not Wernz.

After opening with a few quick remarks about his life on the farm, Abe seamlessly transitioned into an 1838 speech about the importance of each of us making a difference for the nation. Next, he highlighted his thoughts in the disputes known as Bloody Kansas and the Dred Scott case. Following this, he gave his reasons for challenging Stephen Douglas for the Illinois' U.S. Senate seat and then recounted the debates with Douglas, including his famous quote that a house divided against itself cannot stand. He harkened back to his days as a U.S. Congressman when in 1849 he introduced a bill before the United States to buy slaves so that they could be set free. When asked why he felt so strongly about slavery he recalled his days when he traveled down the Mississippi and the sadness he felt when he saw slaves being auctioned.

Wernz skipped ahead to just after he was elected President and recited a portion of the speech he gave in Springfield to those who came to see him off. Lincoln told the audience that without divine guidance he cannot succeed, with divine guidance he cannot fail.

His next topic was the debate over whether Fort Sumter should be restocked with supply. Lincoln said he would not sit by idly while American soldiers were in need. Members of the cabinet advised against it, warning that the act would lead to war. He also talked about the delicate balancing act he had to do in order to keep England, France, and Spain out of the war.

Lincoln described the factors that went into the release and timing of the Emancipation Proclamation. With the proclamation, the war changed from a war over states' rights to a war over slavery. It changed from a limited war to a war of unconditional surrender. Lincoln knew that with the proclamation, France and England would not dare risk the negative public opinion that would be caused by joining the South. The highlight of the evening came when Lincoln recited the entire Gettysburg Address.

With 1864 elections looming and the prospect of a possible defeat, Lincoln recounted how he was advised to recant the Emancipation Proclamation so as to garner more public support or to perhaps cancel the election altogether. Lincoln would have none of it and was re-elected anyway. With a second term secured, Lincoln turned his attention beyond the war to getting the 13th Amendment ratified. To this end Lincoln gave a speech reminding the listeners of a higher calling, that in giving liberty to slaves we would preserve liberty for all of us.

In the question session we learned that his comments on this subject of liberty were taken from both an address he gave to the Sanitary Commission in 1864 and a speech given to the Lyceum in 1838.

Mr. Lincoln, Bob Jones (left), Mike Rhein & David Mowery.