Re: For the good of the cause

Posted by ESC on September 22, 2001

In Reply to: Need origin of a phrase(asap!) posted by chantelle on September 22, 2001

: What is the origin of the phrase, "for the good of the cause?"

: Thanks!

For the good of the cause -- I couldn't find the origin. Anyone know? I've searched my references, including a political dictionary, and found dozens of quotes and proverbs with the word "cause" but none with "for the good of the cause." If I had to guess, I would say it's a Civil War slogan. But I didn't find it in my Civil War books either. I did find "Lost Cause" under the names for the Civil War in "Everyday Life during the Civil War" by Michael J. Varhola.

A Google search led me to the Civil War documents at http://www.ohiohistory.org/index.html I found this quote. I think it was a Yankee talking: "December 23, 1861 I[saac] H. Marrow, Colonel Commanding, 3rd Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Headquarters, 17th Brigade, Camp Jefferson, Kentucky. To Governor William Dennison.that he did nothing except for the honor of his State and the good of the cause, that Gibson was one of the bravest and best men he had, and that Gibson was deserving of a commission in some regiment for his good conduct throughout the campaign."