| 12/22/1860 |
You think slavery is right and ought to be extended; while we think it is wrong and ought to be restricted. That I suppose is the rub. It certainly is the only substantial difference between us. |
Topics: Slavery |
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| 12/29/1860 |
I promise you that I shall unselfishly try to deal fairly with all men and all shades of opinion among our friends. |
Topics: Morality |
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| 01/11/1861 |
What is our present condition? We have just carried an election on principles fairly stated to the people. Now we are told in advance, the government shall be broken up, unless we surrender to those we have beaten, before we take the offices. |
Topics: Politics, Civil War |
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| 01/24/1861 |
in the formation of my Cabinet, I shall aim as nearly as possible at perfection. Any man whom I may appoint to such a position, must be, as far as possible, like Caesar's wife, pure and above suspicion, of unblemished reputation, and undoubted integrity. |
Topics: Politics |
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| 02/01/1861 |
On the territorial question – that is, the question of extending slavery under the national auspices – I am inflexible. I am for no compromise which assists or permits the extension of the institution on soil owned by the nation. And any trick by which the nation is to acquire territory, and then allow some local authority to spread slavery over it, is as obnoxious as any other. |
Topics: Slavery |
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| 02/11/1861 |
To this place and the kindness of these people, I owe everything. ... I now leave, not knowing when, or whether ever, I may return [to Springfield], with a task before me greater than that which rested upon Washington. |
Topics: Family |
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| 02/11/1861 |
We all believe in the maintainance of the Union, of every star and every stripe of the glorious flag ... |
Topics: America |
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| 02/12/1861 |
I do not deny the possibility that the people may err in an election; but if they do, the true cure is in the next election. |
Topics: Freedom, Politics |
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| 02/12/1861 |
I hold that while man exists, it is his duty to improve not only his own condition, but to assist in ameliorating mankind; and therefore … I am for those means which will give the greatest good to the greatest number. |
Topics: Morality, Inspirational |
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| 02/13/1861 |
Without a name, perhaps without a reason why I should have a name, there has fallen upon me a task such as did not rest even upon the Father of his country. |
Topics: Leadership, History, America |
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