"We may congratulate ourselves that this cruel war is nearing its end.
    It has cost a vast amount of treasure and blood. . . .
    It has indeed been a trying hour for the Republic; but
    I see in the near future a crisis approaching that unnerves me and causes
    me to tremble for the safety of my country. As a result of the war,
    corporations have been enthroned and an era of corruption in high places
    will follow, and the money power of the country will endeavor to prolong
    its reign by working upon the prejudices of the people until all wealth
    is aggregated in a few hands and the Republic is destroyed.
    I feel at this moment more anxiety for the safety
    of my country than ever before, even in the midst of war.
    God grant that my suspicions may prove groundless."

-- Abraham Lincoln to (Col.) William F. Elkins, Nov. 21, 1864.