Alexander Quotes
In 1862 after a Sioux uprising, a U. S. military commission condemned 303 Indians to death. The President personally reviewed the records of each case and pardoned most. On December 26, 1862 the largest public execution in American history took place with 38 Indians hanged. Lincoln's decision to commute most of the sentences was not politically popular and in the 1864 election the Republican vote margin in Minnesota was smaller than before. Minnesota Senator Alexander Ramsey told Lincoln that he should have hanged more Indians and obtained a bigger majority.
His army had been so successful that many of his men had all the riches they ever dreamed of and great glory as well. Some just wanted to slow down and enjoy the conquered lands where they had been received very cordially as Alexander’s “occupation” was much more benign than the Asian rulers had been. Most however wanted to go back to Macedonia and enjoy their wealth and prestige. This statement of Alexander’s turned most of the men around.
After a victory, Alexander did not treat the newly conquered regions badly. In most cases the quality of lives of the average person improved. Most important, he did not interfere with local cultural traditions and his men intermarried with the conquered population.
