Thanks to National Farmers Union Historian, Tom Giessel, for the research.
Lincoln’s letter on corporations
“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.”
Abraham Lincoln, letter to William F. Elkins, Nov. 21, 1864. Archer H.
Shaw, ed., The Lincoln Encyclopedia 40 (1950)
Thank you again Mike! The words of Lincoln are timeless!