Meaning: This quote by historian David Donald offers an insightful perspective on Abraham Lincoln's early approach to military leadership during the American Civil War. The quote highlights Lincoln's initial lack of experience and his reverence for military expertise, which was based on a misconception about the existing level of military knowledge and leadership in the United States at the time.

Abraham Lincoln, prior to becoming the 16th President of the United States, had limited experience in military affairs. His background was primarily in law and politics, and he had not served in the military or held any significant military leadership positions. As a result, when he assumed the presidency in 1861, he faced the monumental challenge of leading the nation through a devastating civil conflict without the benefit of prior military experience.

The quote emphasizes Lincoln's initial reverence for military expertise, indicating that he held a deep respect for the knowledge and leadership of experienced military commanders. However, the quote also suggests that Lincoln soon came to realize that there was a lack of substantial military expertise within the country at the time. This realization likely forced Lincoln to reevaluate his reliance on traditional military hierarchy and seek alternative strategies for managing the Union's military efforts.

The reference to the Mexican War in the quote is significant as it underscores the limited scope of military experience that existed within the United States prior to the Civil War. The Mexican War, which took place from 1846 to 1848, provided some American officers and soldiers with combat experience, but it had been over a decade since the conflict had concluded. This further highlights the dearth of recent military expertise available to guide the Union's efforts at the outset of the Civil War.

David Donald's quote offers valuable historical context for understanding Lincoln's early leadership challenges and the evolving nature of his approach to military strategy. It sheds light on the crucial realization that Lincoln and his administration had to confront – the need to adapt to a new and unprecedented military landscape, one that required innovative thinking and strategic decision-making in the absence of established military expertise.

Lincoln's response to this realization was to adapt and learn quickly, ultimately taking a more hands-on approach to military leadership. Over time, he demonstrated a remarkable capacity for strategic thinking and decision-making, often directly engaging with his generals and shaping military policy based on his own insights and judgment.

In conclusion, David Donald's quote encapsulates a pivotal moment in Abraham Lincoln's presidency, highlighting his early reverence for military expertise and the subsequent recognition of the lack of substantial military experience available to guide the Union's efforts. This realization prompted Lincoln to adapt his approach to military leadership, ultimately shaping the course of the Civil War and his legacy as a wartime president.