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Address to the 166th Ohio Regiment
August 22, 1864
I suppose you are going home to see your families and friends. For the service you have done in
this great struggle in which we are engaged I present you sincere thanks for myself and the
country. I almost always feel inclined, when I happen to say anything to soldiers, to impress
upon them in a few brief remarks the importance of success in this contest. It is not merely for
to-day, but for all time to come that we should perpetuate for our children's children this great
and free government, which we have enjoyed all our lives. I beg you to remember this, not
merely for my sake, but for yours. I happen temporarily to occupy this big White House. I am a
living witness that any one of your children may look to come here as my father's child has. It is
in order that each one of you may have through this free government which we have enjoyed, an
open field and a fair chance for your industry, enterprise and intelligence: that you may all have
equal privileges in the race of life, with all its desirable human aspirations. It is for this the
struggle should be maintained, that we may not lose our birthright - not only for one, but for two
or three years. The nation is worth fighting for, to secure such an inestimable jewel.