Greeley's letter of August 19, which was headed "The Prayer of Twenty
Millions," began as follows: "I do not intrude to tell you--for you
must know already--that a great proportion of those who triumphed in
your election, and of all who desire the unqualified suppression of the
Rebellion now desolating our country, are sorely disappointed and
deeply pained by the policy you seem to be pursuing." That Lincoln had
good reason to complain of "an impatient and dictatorial tone" is
sufficiently shown by the closing sentence, "I entreat you to render
hearty and unequivocal obedience to the laws of the land." The
following issue of the _Tribune_ contained a long editorial on the same
subject. The influence of the _Tribune_ in the Northern States was
immense, and Lincoln realized the importance of making a clear
statement of his policy to its readers.