Gentlemen，IhavealreadyspokenlongerthanIintended，andmustbegleavetostophere。
REPLYTOTHEMAYOROFPHILADELPHIA，PENNSYLVANIA，FEBRUARY21，1861
MR。MAYORANDFELLOW—CITIZENSOFPHILADELPHIA：——Iappearbeforeyoutomakenolengthyspeech，buttothankyouforthisreception。Thereceptionyouhavegivenmeto—nightisnottome，theman，theindividual，buttothemanwhotemporarilyrepresents，orshouldrepresent，themajestyofthenation。Itistrue，asyourworthymayorhassaid，thatthereisgreatanxietyamongstthecitizensoftheUnitedStatesatthistime。Ideemitahappycircumstancethatthisdissatisfiedportionofourfellow—citizensdoesnotpointustoanythinginwhichtheyarebeinginjuredorabouttobeinjured；forwhichreasonIhavefeltallthewhilejustifiedinconcludingthatthecrisis，thepanic，theanxietyofthecountryatthistimeisartificial。Iftherebethosewhodifferwithmeuponthissubject，theyhavenotpointedoutthesubstantialdifficultythatexists。
Idonotmeantosaythatanartificialpanicmaynotdoconsiderableharm；thatithasdonesuchIdonotdeny。Thehopethathasbeenexpressedbyyourmayor，thatImaybeabletorestorepeace，harmony，andprosperitytothecountry，ismostworthyofhim；andmosthappy，indeed，willIbeifIshallbeabletoverifyandfulfilthathope。IpromiseyouthatIbringtotheworkasincereheart。
WhetherIwillbringaheadequaltothatheartwillbeforfuturetimestodetermine。Itwereuselessformetospeakofdetailsofplansnow；IshallspeakofficiallynextMondayweek，ifever。IfI
shouldnotspeakthen，itwereuselessformetodosonow。IfIdospeakthen，itisuselessformetodosonow。WhenIdospeak，I
shalltakesuchgroundasIdeembestcalculatedtorestorepeace，harmony，andprosperitytothecountry，andtendtotheperpetuityofthenationandthelibertyoftheseStatesandthesepeople。Yourworthymayorhasexpressedthewish，inwhichIjoinwithhim，thatitwereconvenientformetoremaininyourcitylongenoughtoconsultyourmerchantsandmanufacturers；or，asitwere，tolistentothosebreathingsrisingwithintheconsecratedwallswhereintheConstitutionoftheUnitedStatesand，Iwilladd，theDeclarationofIndependence，wereoriginallyframedandadopted。IassureyouandyourmayorthatIhadhopedonthisoccasion，anduponalloccasionsduringmylife，thatIshalldonothinginconsistentwiththeteachingsoftheseholyandmostsacredwalls。Ihaveneveraskedanythingthatdoesnotbreathefromthosewalls。Allmypoliticalwarfarehasbeeninfavoroftheteachingsthatcomeforthfromthesesacredwalls。MaymyrighthandforgetitscunningandmytonguecleavetotheroofofmymouthifeverIprovefalsetothoseteachings。Fellow—citizens，IhaveaddressedyoulongerthanI
expectedtodo，andnowallowmetobidyougoodnight。
ADDRESSINTHEHALLOFINDEPENDENCE，PHILADELPHIA，FEBRUARY22，1861
MR。CUYLER：——Iamfilledwithdeepemotionatfindingmyselfstandinghere，inthisplace，wherewerecollectedtogetherthewisdom，thedevotiontoprinciple，fromwhichsprangtheinstitutionsunderwhichwelive。Youhavekindlysuggestedtomethatinmyhandsisthetaskofrestoringpeacetothepresentdistractedconditionofthecountry。Icansayinreturn，sir，thatallthepoliticalsentimentsIentertainhavebeendrawn，sofarasIhavebeenabletodrawthem，fromthesentimentswhichoriginatedandweregiventotheworldfromthishall。IhaveneverhadafeelingpoliticallythatdidnotspringfromthesentimentsembodiedintheDeclarationofIndependence。IhaveoftenponderedoverthedangerswhichwereincurredbythemenwhoassembledhereandframedandadoptedthatDeclarationofIndependence。Ihaveponderedoverthetoilsthatwereenduredbytheofficersandsoldiersofthearmywhoachievedthatindependence。Ihaveofteninquiredofmyselfwhatgreatprincipleorideaitwasthatkepttheconfederacysolongtogether。
Itwasnotthemerematterofseparationofthecoloniesfromthemotherland，butthatsentimentintheDeclarationofIndependencewhichgaveliberty，notalonetothepeopleofthiscountry，but，I
hope，totheworldforallfuturetime。Itwasthatwhichgavepromisethatinduetimetheweightwouldbeliftedfromtheshouldersofallmen。ThisisthesentimentembodiedintheDeclarationofIndependence。Now，myfriends，canthecountrybesaveduponthatbasis？Ifitcan，IwillconsidermyselfoneofthehappiestmenintheworldifIcanhelptosaveit。Ifitcannotbesaveduponthatprinciple，itwillbetrulyawful。Butifthiscountrycannotbesavedwithoutgivingupthatprinciple，IwasabouttosayIwouldratherbeassassinatedonthisspotthansurrenderit。
Now，inmyviewofthepresentaspectofaffairs，thereneedbenobloodshedorwar。Thereisnonecessityforit。Iamnotinfavorofsuchacourse，andImaysay，inadvance，thattherewillbenobloodshedunlessitisforcedupontheGovernment，andthenitwillbecompelledtoactinself—defence。
Myfriends；thisiswhollyanunexpectedspeech，andIdidnotexpecttobecalledupontosayawordwhenIcamehere。Isupposeditwasmerelytodosomethingtowardraisingtheflag。Imay，therefore，havesaidsomethingindiscreet。IhavesaidnothingbutwhatIamwillingtolivebyand，ifitbethepleasureofAlmightyGod，dieby。
REPLYTOTHEWILMINGTONDELEGATION，FEBRUARY22，1861
MR。CHAIRMAN：——Ifeelhighlyflatteredbytheencomiumsyouhaveseenfittobestowuponme。SoonafterthenominationofGeneralTaylor，IattendedapoliticalmeetinginthecityofWilmington，andhavesincecarriedwithmeafondremembranceofthehospitalitiesofthecityonthatoccasion。TheprogrammeestablishedprovidesformypresenceinHarrisburgintwenty—fourhoursfromthistime。IexpecttobeinWashingtononSaturday。Itis，therefore，animpossibilitythatIshouldacceptyourkindinvitation。TherearenopeoplewhomIwouldmoregladlyaccommodatethanthoseofDelaware；butcircumstancesforbid，gentlemen。WithmanyregretsforthecharacterofthereplyIamcompelledtogiveyou，Ibidyouadieu。
ADDRESSATLANCASTER，PENNSYLVANIA，FEBRUARY22，1860
LADIESANDGENTLEMENOFOLDLANCASTER：——Iappearnottomakeaspeech。Ihavenottimetomakeaspeechatlength，andnotstrengthtomakethemoneveryoccasion；and，worsethanall，Ihavenonetomake。Thereisplentyofmattertospeakaboutinthesetimes，butitiswellknownthatthemoreamanspeaksthelessheisunderstood——themorehesaysonething，themorehisadversariescontendhemeantsomethingelse。Ishallsoonhaveoccasiontospeakofficially，andthenIwillendeavortoputmythoughtsjustasplainasIcanexpressmyself——truetotheConstitutionandUnionofalltheStates，andtotheperpetuallibertyofallthepeople。UntilI
sospeak，thereisnoneedtoenterupondetails。Inconclusion，I
greetyoumostheartily，andbidyouanaffectionatefarewell。
ADDRESSTOTHELEGISLATUREOFPENNSYLVANIA，ATHARRISBURG，FEBRUARY22，1861
MR。SPEAKEROFTHESENATE，ANDALSOMR。SPEAKEROFTHEHOUSEOF
REPRESENTATIVES，ANDGENTLEMENOFTHEGENERALASSEMBLYOFTHESTATE
OFPENNSYLVANIA：——Iappearbeforeyouonlyforaveryfewbriefremarksinresponsetowhathasbeensaidtome。Ithankyoumostsincerelyforthisreception，andthegenerouswordsinwhichsupporthasbeenpromisedmeuponthisoccasion。Ithankyourgreatcommonwealthfortheoverwhelmingsupportitrecentlygave，notmepersonally，butthecausewhichIthinkajustone，inthelateelection。
Allusionhasbeenmadetothefact——theinterestingfactperhapsweshouldsay——thatIforthefirsttimeappearatthecapitalofthegreatcommonwealthofPennsylvaniauponthebirthdayoftheFatherofhisCountry。Inconnectionwiththatbelovedanniversaryconnectedwiththehistoryofthiscountry，IhavealreadygonethroughoneexceedinglyinterestingscenethismorningintheceremoniesatPhiladelphia。Underthekindconductofgentlementhere，IwasforthefirsttimeallowedtheprivilegeofstandinginoldIndependenceHalltohaveafewwordsaddressedtomethere，andopeninguptomeanopportunityofmanifestingmydeepregretthatIhadnotmoretimetoexpresssomethingofmyownfeelingsexcitedbytheoccasion，thathadbeenreallythefeelingsofmywholelife。
Besidesthis，ourfriendstherehadprovidedamagnificentflagofthecountry。TheyhadarrangeditsothatIwasgiventhehonorofraisingittotheheadofitsstaff，andwhenitwentupIwaspleasedthatitwenttoitsplacebythestrengthofmyownfeeblearm。When，accordingtothearrangement，thecordwaspulled，anditfloatedgloriouslytothewind，withoutanaccident，inthebright，glowingsunshineofthemorning，Icouldnothelphopingthattherewasintheentiresuccessofthatbeautifulceremonyatleastsomethingofanomenofwhatistocome。NorcouldIhelpfeelingthen，asIhaveoftenfelt，thatinthewholeofthatproceedingI
wasaveryhumbledinstrument。Ihadnotprovidedtheflag；Ihadnotmadethearrangementsforelevatingittoitsplace；Ihadappliedbutaverysmallportionofevenmyfeeblestrengthinraisingit。InthewholetransactionIwasinthehandsofthepeoplewhohadarrangedit，andifIcanhavethesamegenerousco—operationofthepeopleofthisnation，Ithinktheflagofourcountrymayyetbekeptflauntinggloriously。
IrecurforamomentbuttorepeatsomewordsutteredatthehotelinregardtowhathasbeensaidaboutthemilitarysupportwhichtheGeneralGovernmentmayexpectfromthecommonwealthofPennsylvaniainaproperemergency。ToguardagainstanypossiblemistakedoI
recurtothis。ItisnotwithanypleasurethatIcontemplatethepossibilitythatanecessitymayariseinthiscountryfortheuseofthemilitaryarm。WhileIamexceedinglygratifiedtoseethemanifestationuponyourstreetsofyourmilitaryforcehere，andexceedinglygratifiedatyourpromisetousethatforceuponaproperemergency——whileImaketheseacknowledgmentsIdesiretorepeat，inordertoprecludeanypossiblemisconstruction，thatIdomostsincerelyhopethatweshallhavenouseforthem；thatitwillneverbecometheirdutytoshedblood，andmostespeciallynevertoshedfraternalblood。IpromisethatsofarasImayhavewisdomtodirect，ifsopainfularesultshallinanywisebebroughtabout，itshallhethroughnofaultofmine。
AllusionhasalsobeenmadebyoneofyourhonoredspeakerstosomeremarksrecentlymadebymyselfatPittsburginregardtowhatissupposedtobetheespecialinterestofthisgreatcommonwealthofPennsylvania。Inowwishonlytosayinregardtothatmatter，thatthefewremarkswhichIutteredonthatoccasionwererathercarefullyworded。Itookpainsthattheyshouldbeso。Ihaveseennooccasionsincetoaddtothemorsubtractfromthem。Ileavethempreciselyastheystand，addingonlynowthatIampleasedtohaveanexpressionfromyou，gentlemenofPennsylvania，signifyingthattheyaresatisfactorytoyou。
Andnow，gentlemenoftheGeneralAssemblyoftheCommonwealthofPennsylvania，allowmeagaintoreturntoyoumymostsincerethanks。
REPLYTOTHEMAYOROFWASHINGTON，D。C。，FEBRUARY27，1861
Mr。MAYOR：——Ithankyou，andthroughyouthemunicipalauthoritiesofthiscitywhoaccompanyyou，forthiswelcome。Andasitisthefirsttimeinmylife，sincethepresentphaseofpoliticshaspresenteditselfinthiscountry，thatIhavesaidanythingpubliclywithinaregionofcountrywheretheinstitutionofslaveryexists，I
willtakethisoccasiontosaythatIthinkverymuchoftheillfeelingthathasexistedandstillexistsbetweenthepeopleinthesectionfromwhichIcameandthepeoplehere，isdependentuponamisunderstandingofoneanother。Ithereforeavailmyselfofthisopportunitytoassureyou，Mr。Mayor，andallthegentlemenpresent，thatIhavenotnow，andneverhavehad，anyotherthanaskindlyfeelingstowardyouastothepeopleofmyownsection。Ihavenotnow，andneverhavehad，anydispositiontotreatyouinanyrespectotherwisethanasmyownneighbors。IhavenotnowanypurposetowithholdfromyouanyofthebenefitsoftheConstitution，underanycircumstances，thatIwouldnotfeelmyselfconstrainedtowithholdfrommyownneighbors；andIhope，inaword，thatwhenweshallbecomebetteracquainted——andIsayitwithgreatconfidence——weshalllikeeachotherbetter。Ithankyouforthekindnessofthisreception。
REPLYTOASERENADEATWASHINGTON，D。C。，FEBRUARY28，1861
MYFRIENDS：——IsupposethatImaytakethisasacomplimentpaidtome，andassuchpleaseacceptmythanksforit。IhavereachedthiscityofWashingtonundercircumstancesconsiderablydifferingfromthoseunderwhichanyothermanhaseverreachedit。Iamhereforthepurposeoftakinganofficialpositionamongstthepeople，almostallofwhomwerepoliticallyopposedtome，andareyetopposedtome，asIsuppose。
Iproposenolengthyaddresstoyou。Ionlyproposetosay，asIdidonyesterday，whenyourworthymayorandboardofaldermencalleduponme，thatIthoughtmuchoftheillfeelingthathasexistedbetweenyouandthepeopleofyoursurroundingsandthatpeoplefromamongwhomIcame，hasdepended，andnowdepends，uponamisunderstanding。
Ihopethat，ifthingsshallgoalongasprosperouslyasIbelievewealldesiretheymay，Imayhaveitinmypowertoremovesomethingofthismisunderstanding；thatImaybeenabledtoconvinceyou，andthepeopleofyoursectionofthecountry，thatweregardyouasinallthingsourequals，andinallthingsentitledtothesamerespectandthesametreatmentthatweclaimforourselves；thatweareinnowisedisposed，ifitwereinourpower，tooppressyou，todepriveyouofanyofyourrightsundertheConstitutionoftheUnitedStates，orevennarrowlytosplithairswithyouinregardtotheserights，butaredeterminedtogiveyou，asfarasliesinourhands，allyourrightsundertheConstitution——notgrudgingly，butfullyandfairly。Ihopethat，bythusdealingwithyou，wewillbecomebetteracquainted，andbebetterfriends。
Andnow，myfriends，withthesefewremarks，andagainreturningmythanksforthiscompliment，andexpressingmydesiretohearalittlemoreofyourgoodmusic，Ibidyougood—night。
WASHINGTON，SUNDAY，MARCH3，1861
[DuringthestruggleovertheappointmentsofLINCOLN’sCabinet，thePresident—electspokeasfollows：]
Gentlemen，itisevidentthatsomeonemusttaketheresponsibilityoftheseappointments，andIwilldoit。MyCabinetiscompleted。
Thepositionsarenotdefinitelyassigned，andwillnotbeuntilI
announcethemprivatelytothegentlemenwhomIhaveselectedasmyConstitutionaladvisers。
FIRSTINAUGURALADDRESS，MARCH4，1861
FELLOW—CITIZENSOFTHEUNITEDSTATES：——IncompliancewithacustomasoldastheGovernmentitself，Iappearbeforeyoutoaddressyoubriefly，andtotakeinyourpresencetheoathprescribedbytheConstitutionoftheUnitedStatestobetakenbythePresident\"beforeheentersontheexecutionofhisoffice。\"
Idonotconsideritnecessaryatpresentformetodiscussthosemattersofadministrationaboutwhichthereisnospecialanxietyorexcitement。
ApprehensionseemstoexistamongthepeopleoftheSouthernStatesthatbytheaccessionofaRepublicanadministrationtheirpropertyandtheirpeaceandpersonalsecurityaretobeendangered。Therehasneverbeenanyreasonablecauseforsuchapprehension。Indeed，themostampleevidencetothecontraryhasallthewhileexistedandbeenopentotheirinspection。Itisfoundinnear1yallthepublishedspeechesofhimwhonowaddressesyou。IdobutquotefromoneofthosespeecheswhenIdeclarethat\"Ihavenopurpose，directlyorindirectly，tointerferewiththeinstitutionofslaveryintheStateswhereitexists。IbelieveI
havenolawfulrighttodoso，andIhavenoinclinationtodoso。\"
ThosewhonominatedandelectedmedidsowithfullknowledgethatI
hadmadethisandmanysimilardeclarations，andhadneverrecantedthem。And，morethanthis，theyplacedintheplatformformyacceptance，andasalawtothemselvesandtome，theclearandemphaticresolutionwhichInowread：
\"Resolved，ThatthemaintenanceinviolateoftherightsoftheStates，andespeciallytherightofeachStatetoorderandcontrolitsowndomesticinstitutionsaccordingtoitsownjudgmentexclusively，isessentialtothatbalanceofpoweronwhichtheperfectionandenduranceofourpoliticalfabricdepend，andwedenouncethelawlessinvasionbyarmedforceofthesoilofanyStateorTerritory，nomatterunderwhatpretext，asamongstthegravestofcrimes。\"
Inowreiteratethesesentiments；and，indoingso，Ionlypressuponthepublicattentionthemostconclusiveevidenceofwhichthecaseissusceptible，thattheproperty，peace，andsecurityofnosectionaretobeinanywiseendangeredbythenowincomingadministration。
Iadd，too，thatalltheprotectionwhich，consistentlywiththeConstitutionandthelaws，canbegiven，willbecheerfullygiventoalltheStateswhenlawfullydemanded，forwhatevercause——ascheerfullytoonesectionastoanother。
Thereismuchcontroversyaboutthedeliveringupoffugitivesfromserviceorlabor。TheclauseInowreadisasplainlywrittenintheConstitutionasanyotherofitsprovisions：
\"NopersonheldtoserviceorlaborinoneState，underthelawsthereof，escapingintoanother，shallinconsequenceofanylaworregulationthereinbedischargedfromsuchserviceorlabor，butshallbedelivereduponclaimofthepartytowhomsuchserviceorlabormaybedue。\"
Itisscarcelyquestionedthatthisprovisionwasintendedbythosewhomadeitforthereclaimingofwhatwecallfugitiveslaves；andtheintentionofthelawgiveristhelaw。AllmembersofCongresssweartheirsupporttothewholeConstitution——tothisprovisionasmuchastoanyother。Totheproposition，then，thatslaveswhosecasescomewithinthetermsofthisclause\"shallbedeliveredup，\"
theiroathsareunanimous。Now，iftheywouldmaketheeffortingoodtemper，couldtheynotwithnearlyequalunanimityframeandpassalawbymeansofwhichtokeepgoodthatunanimousoath？
ThereissomedifferenceofopinionwhetherthisclauseshouldbeenforcedbynationalorbyStateauthority；butsurelythatdifferenceisnotaverymaterialone。Iftheslaveistobesurrendered，itcanbeofbutlittleconsequencetohimortoothersbywhichauthorityitisdone。Andshouldanyoneinanycasebecontentthathisoathshallgounkeptonamerelyunsubstantialcontroversyastohowitshallbekept？
Again，inanylawuponthissubject，oughtnotallthesafeguardsoflibertyknownincivilizedandhumanejurisprudencetobeintroduced，sothatafreemanbenot，inanycase，surrenderedasaslave？AndmightitnotbewellatthesametimetoprovidebylawfortheenforcementofthatclauseintheConstitutionwhichguaranteesthat\"thecitizensofeachStateshallbeentitledtoallprivilegesandimmunitiesofcitizensintheseveralStates\"？
Itaketheofficialoathto—daywithnomentalreservations，andwithnopurposetoconstruetheConstitutionorlawsbyanyhypercriticalrules。And，whileIdonotchoosenowtospecifyparticularactsofCongressaspropertobeenforced，Idosuggestthatitwillbemuchsaferforall，bothinofficialandprivatestations，toconformtoandabidebyallthoseactswhichstandunrepealed，thantoviolateanyofthem，trustingtofindimpunityinhavingthemheldtobeunconstitutional。
Itisseventy—twoyearssincethefirstinaugurationofaPresidentunderournationalConstitution。Duringthatperiodfifteendifferentandgreatlydistinguishedcitizenshave，insuccession，administeredtheexecutivebranchoftheGovernment。Theyhaveconducteditthroughmanyperils，andgenerallywithgreatsuccess。
Yet，withallthisscopeofprecedent，Inowenteruponthesametaskforthebriefconstitutionaltermoffouryearsundergreatandpeculiardifficulty。AdisruptionoftheFederalUnion，heretoforeonlymenaced，isnowformidablyattempted。
Iholdthat，incontemplationofuniversallawandoftheConstitution，theUnionoftheseStatesisperpetual。Perpetuityisimplied，ifnotexpressed，inthefundamentallawofallnationalgovernments。Itissafetoassertthatnogovernmentpropereverhadaprovisioninitsorganiclawforitsowntermination。ContinuetoexecutealltheexpressprovisionsofournationalConstitution，andtheUnionwillendureforever——itbeingimpossibletodestroyitexceptbysomeactionnotprovidedforintheinstrumentitself。
Again，iftheUnitedStatesbenotagovernmentproper，butanassociationofStatesinthenatureofcontractmerely，canitasacontractbepeaceablyunmadebylessthanallthepartieswhomadeit？Onepartytoacontractmayviolateit——breakit，sotospeak；
butdoesitnotrequirealltolawfullyrescindit？
Descendingfromthesegeneralprinciples，wefindthepropositionthatinlegalcontemplationtheUnionisperpetualconfirmedbythehistoryoftheUnionitself。TheUnionismucholderthantheConstitution。Itwasformed，infact，bytheArticlesofAssociationin1774。ItwasmaturedandcontinuedbytheDeclarationofIndependencein1776。Itwasfurthermatured，andthefaithofallthethenthirteenStatesexpresslyplightedandengagedthatitshouldbeperpetual，bytheArticlesofConfederationin1778。And，finally，in1787oneofthedeclaredobjectsforordainingandestablishingtheConstitutionwas\"toformamoreperfectUnion。\"
ButifthedestructionoftheUnionbyoneorbyapartonlyoftheStatesbelawfullypossible，theUnionislessperfectthanbeforetheConstitution，havinglostthevitalelementofperpetuity。
ItfollowsfromtheseviewsthatnoStateuponitsownmeremotioncanlawfullygetoutoftheUnion；thatresolvesandordinancestothateffectarelegallyvoid；andthatactsofviolence，withinanyStateorStates，againsttheauthorityoftheUnitedStates，areinsurrectionaryorrevolutionary，accordingtocircumstances。
Ithereforeconsiderthat，inviewoftheConstitutionandthelaws，theUnionisunbroken；andtotheextentofmyabilityIshalltakecare，astheConstitutionitselfexpresslyenjoinsuponme，thatthelawsoftheUnionbefaithfullyexecutedinalltheStates。DoingthisIdeemtobeonlyasimpledutyonmypart；andIshallperformitsofaraspracticable，unlessmyrightfulmasters，theAmericanpeople，shallwithholdtherequisitemeans，orinsomeauthoritativemannerdirectthecontrary。Itrustthiswillnotberegardedasamenace，butonlyasthedeclaredpurposeoftheUnionthatitwillconstitutionallydefendandmaintainitself。
Indoingthisthereneedstobenobloodshedorviolence；andthereshallbenone，unlessitbeforceduponthenationalauthority。Thepowerconfidedtomewillbeusedtohold，occupy，andpossessthepropertyandplacesbelongingtotheGovernment，andtocollectthedutiesandimposts；butbeyondwhatmaybenecessaryfortheseobjects，therewillbenoinvasion，nousingofforceagainstoramongthepeopleanywhere。WherehostilitytotheUnitedStates，inanyinteriorlocality，shallbesogreatanduniversalastopreventcompetentresidentcitizensfromholdingtheFederaloffices，therewillbenoattempttoforceobnoxiousstrangersamongthepeopleforthatobject。Whilethestrictlegalrightmayexistinthegovernmenttoenforcetheexerciseoftheseoffices，theattempttodosowouldbesoirritating，andsonearlyimpracticablewithal，thatIdeemitbettertoforegoforthetimetheusesofsuchoffices。
Themails，unlessrepelled，willcontinuetobefurnishedinallpartsoftheUnion。Sofaraspossible，thepeopleeverywhereshallhavethatsenseofperfectsecuritywhichismostfavorabletocalmthoughtandreflection。Thecoursehereindicatedwillbefollowedunlesscurrenteventsandexperienceshallshowamodificationorchangetobeproper，andineverycaseandexigencymybestdiscretionwillbeexercisedaccordingtocircumstancesactuallyexisting，andwithaviewandahopeofapeacefulsolutionofthenationaltroublesandtherestorationoffraternalsympathiesandaffections。
ThattherearepersonsinonesectionoranotherwhoseektodestroytheUnionatallevents，andaregladofanypretexttodoit，Iwillneitheraffirmnordeny；butiftherebesuch，Ineedaddressnowordtothem。Tothose，however，whoreallylovetheUnionmayInotspeak？
Beforeenteringuponsograveamatterasthedestructionofournationalfabric，withallitsbenefits，itsmemories，anditshopes，woulditnotbewisetoascertainpreciselywhywedoit？Willyouhazardsodesperateastepwhilethereisanypossibilitythatanyportionoftheillsyouflyfromhavenorealexistence？Willyou，whilethecertainillsyouflytoaregreaterthanalltherealonesyouflyfrom——willyouriskthecommissionofsofearfulamistake？
AllprofesstobecontentintheUnionifallconstitutionalrightscanbemaintained。Isittrue，then，thatanyright，plainlywrittenintheConstitution，hasbeendenied？Ithinknot。Happilythehumanmindissoconstitutedthatnopartycanreachtotheaudacityofdoingthis。Think，ifyoucan，ofasingleinstanceinwhichaplainlywrittenprovisionoftheConstitutionhaseverbeendenied。
Ifbythemereforceofnumbersamajorityshoulddepriveaminorityofanyclearlywrittenconstitutionalright，itmight，inamoralpointofview，justifyrevolution——certainlywouldifsucharightwereavitalone。Butsuchisnotourcase。Allthevitalrightsofminoritiesandofindividualsaresoplainlyassuredtothembyaffirmationsandnegations，guarantiesandprohibitions，intheConstitution，thatcontroversiesneverariseconcerningthem。Butnoorganiclawcaneverbeframedwithaprovisionspecificallyapplicabletoeveryquestionwhichmayoccurinpracticaladministration。Noforesightcananticipate，noranydocumentofreasonablelengthcontain，expressprovisionsforallpossiblequestions。ShallfugitivesfromlaborbesurrenderedbynationalorbyStateauthority？TheConstitutiondoesnotexpresslysay。MayCongressprohibitslaveryintheTerritories？TheConstitutiondoesnotexpresslysay。MustCongressprotectslaveryintheTerritories？
TheConstitutiondoesnotexpresslysay。
>Fromquestionsofthisclassspringallourconstitutionalcontroversies，andwedivideuponthemintomajoritiesandminorities。Iftheminoritywillnotacquiesce，themajoritymust，ortheGovernmentmustcease。Thereisnootheralternative；forcontinuingtheGovernmentisacquiescenceononesideortheother。
Ifaminorityinsuchcasewillsecederatherthanacquiesce，theymakeaprecedentwhichinturnwilldivideandruinthem；foraminorityoftheirownwillsecedefromthemwheneveramajorityrefusestobecontrolledbysuchminority。Forinstance，whymaynotanyportionofanewconfederacyayearortwohencearbitrarilysecedeagain，preciselyasportionsofthepresentUnionnowclaimtosecedefromit？Allwhocherishdisunionsentimentsarenowbeingeducatedtotheexacttemperofdoingthis。
IstheresuchperfectidentityofinterestsamongtheStatestocomposeanewUnionastoproduceharmonyonly，andpreventrenewedsecession？
Plainly，thecentralideaofsecessionistheessenceofanarchy。A
majorityheldinrestraintbyconstitutionalchecksandlimitations，andalwayschangingeasilywithdeliberatechangesofpopularopinionsandsentiments，istheonlytruesovereignofafreepeople。
Whoeverrejectsitdoes，ofnecessity，flytoanarchyortodespotism。Unanimityisimpossible；theruleofaminority，asapermanentarrangement，iswhollyinadmissible；sothat，rejectingthemajorityprinciple，anarchyordespotisminsomeformisallthatisleft。
Idonotforgetthepositionassumedbysome，thatconstitutionalquestionsaretobedecidedbytheSupremeCourt；nordoIdenythatsuchdecisionsmustbebinding，inanycase，uponthepartiestoasuit，astotheobjectofthatsuit，whiletheyarealsoentitledtoveryhighrespectandconsiderationinallparallelcasesbyallotherdepartmentsofthegovernment。And，whileitisobviouslypossiblethatsuchdecisionmaybeerroneousinanygivencase，stilltheevileffectfollowingit，beinglimitedtothatparticularcase，withthechancethatitmaybeoverruledandneverbecomeaprecedentforothercases，canbetterbebornethancouldtheevilsofadifferentpractice。Atthesametime，thecandidcitizenmustconfessthatifthepolicyofthegovernment，uponvitalquestionsaffectingthewholepeople，istobeirrevocablyfixedbydecisionsoftheSupremeCourt，theinstanttheyaremade，inordinarylitigationbetweenpartiesinpersonalactions，thepeoplewillhaveceasedtobetheirownrulers，havingtothatextentpracticallyresignedthegovernmentintothehandsofthateminenttribunal。Noristhereinthisviewanyassaultuponthecourtorthejudges。Itisadutyfromwhichtheymaynotshrinktodecidecasesproperlybroughtbeforethem，anditisnofaultoftheirsifothersseektoturntheirdecisionstopoliticalpurposes。
Onesectionofourcountrybelievesslaveryisright，andoughttobeextended，whiletheotherbelievesitiswrong，andoughtnottobeextended。Thisistheonlysubstantialdispute。ThefugitiveslaveclauseoftheConstitutionandthelawforthesuppressionoftheforeignslavetradeareeachaswellenforced，perhaps，asanylawcaneverbeinacommunitywherethemoralsenseofthepeopleimperfectlysupportsthelawitself。Thegreatbodyofthepeopleabidebythedrylegalobligationinbothcases，andafewbreakoverineach。This，Ithink，cannotbeperfectlycured；anditwouldbeworseinbothcasesaftertheseparationofthesectionsthanbefore。
Theforeignslavetrade，nowimperfectlysuppressed，wouldbeultimatelyrevived，withoutrestriction，inonesection，whilefugitiveslaves，nowonlypartiallysurrendered，wouldnotbesurrenderedatallbytheother。
Physicallyspeaking，wecannotseparate。Wecannotremoveourrespectivesectionsfromeachother，norbuildanimpassablewallbetweenthem。Ahusbandandwifemaybedivorcedandgooutofthepresenceandbeyondthereachofeachother；butthedifferentpartsofourcountrycannotdothis。Theycannotbutremainfacetoface，andintercourse，eitheramicableorhostile，mustcontinuebetweenthem。Isitpossible，then，tomakethatintercoursemoreadvantageousormoresatisfactoryafterseparationthanbefore？Canaliensmaketreatieseasierthanfriendscanmakelaws？Cantreatiesbemorefaithfullyenforcedbetweenaliensthanlawscanamongfriends？Supposeyougotowar，youcannotfightalways；andwhen，aftermuchlossonbothsides，andnogainoneither，youceasefighting，theidenticaloldquestionsastotermsofintercourseareagainuponyou。
Thiscountry，withitsinstitutions，belongstothepeoplewhoinhabitit。Whenevertheyshallgrowwearyoftheexistinggovernment，theycanexercisetheirconstitutionalrightofamendingit，ortheirrevolutionaryrighttodismemberoroverthrowit。I
cannotbeignorantofthefactthatmanyworthyandpatrioticcitizensaredesirousofhavingthenationalConstitutionamended。
WhileImakenorecommendationofamendments，Ifullyrecognizetherightfulauthorityofthepeopleoverthewholesubject，tobeexercisedineitherofthemodesprescribedintheinstrumentitself，andIshould，underexistingcircumstances，favorratherthanopposeafairopportunitybeingaffordedthepeopletoactuponit。Iwillventuretoaddthattometheconventionmodeseemspreferable，inthatitallowsamendmentstooriginatewiththepeoplethemselves，insteadofonlypermittingthemtotakeorrejectpropositionsoriginatedbyothersnotespeciallychosenforthepurpose，andwhichmightnotbepreciselysuchastheywouldwishtoeitheracceptorrefuse。IunderstandaproposedamendmenttotheConstitutionwhichamendment，however，Ihavenotseen——haspassedCongress，totheeffectthattheFederalGovernmentshallneverinterferewiththedomesticinstitutionsoftheStates，includingthatofpersonsheldtoservice。ToavoidmisconstructionofwhatIhavesaid，Idepartfrommypurposenottospeakofparticularamendmentssofarastosaythat，holdingsuchaprovisiontonowbeimpliedconstitutionallaw，Ihavenoobjectiontoitsbeingmadeexpressandirrevocable。
Thechiefmagistratederivesallhisauthorityfromthepeople，andtheyhaveconferrednoneuponhimtofixtermsfortheseparationoftheStates。Thepeoplethemselvescandothisalsoiftheychoose；
buttheexecutive，assuch，hasnothingtodowithit。Hisdutyistoadministerthepresentgovernment，asitcametohishands，andtotransmitit，unimpairedbyhim，tohissuccessors。
Whyshouldtherenotbeapatientconfidenceintheultimatejusticeofthepeople？Isthereanybetterorequalhopeintheworld？Inourpresentdifferencesiseitherpartywithoutfaithofbeingintheright？IftheAlmightyRulerofnations，withhiseternaltruthandjustice，beonyoursideoftheNorth，oronyoursoftheSouth，thattruthandthatjusticewillsurelyprevailbythejudgmentofthisgreattribunaloftheAmericanpeople。
Bytheframeofthegovernmentunderwhichwelive，thissamepeoplehavewiselygiventheirpublicservantsbutlittlepowerformischief；andhave，withequalwisdom，providedforthereturnofthatlittletotheirownhandsatveryshortintervals。Whilethepeopleretaintheirvirtueandvigilance，noadministration，byanyextremeofwickednessorfolly，canveryseriouslyinjurethegovernmentintheshortspaceoffouryears。
Mycountrymen，oneandall，thinkcalmlyandwelluponthiswholesubject。Nothingvaluablecanbelostbytakingtime。Iftherebeanobjecttohurryanyofyouinhothastetoastepwhichyouwouldnevertakedeliberately，thatobjectwillbefrustratedbytakingtime；butnogoodobjectcanbefrustratedbyit。SuchofyouasarenowdissatisfiedstillhavetheoldConstitutionunimpaired，and，onthesensitivepoint，thelawsofyourownframingunderit；whilethenewadministrationwillhavenoimmediatepower，ifitwould，tochangeeither。Ifitwereadmittedthatyouwhoaredissatisfiedholdtherightsideinthedispute，therestillisnosinglegoodreasonforprecipitateaction。Intelligence，patriotism，Christianity，andafirmrelianceonHimwhohasneveryetforsakenthisfavoredland，arestillcompetenttoadjustinthebestwayallourpresentdifficulty。
Inyourhands，mydissatisfiedfellow—countrymen，andnotinmine，isthemomentousissueofcivilwar。Thegovernmentwillnotassailyou。Youcanhavenoconflictwithoutbeingyourselvestheaggressors。Youhavenooathregisteredinheaventodestroythegovernment，whileIshallhavethemostsolemnoneto\"preserve，protect，anddefend\"it。
Iamloathtoclose。Wearenotenemies，butfriends。Wemustnotbeenemies。Thoughpassionmayhavestrained，itmustnotbreak，ourbondsofaffection。Themysticchordsofmemory，stretchingfromeverybattle—fieldandpatriotgravetoeverylivingheartandhearthstonealloverthisbroadland，willyetswellthechorusoftheUnionwhenagaintouched，assurelytheywillbe，bythebetterangelsofournature。
REFUSALOFSEWARDRESIGNATION
TOWM。H。SEWARD。
EXECUTIVEMANSION，March4，1861。
MYDEARSIR：——Yournoteofthe2dinstant，askingtowithdrawyouracceptanceofmyinvitationtotakechargeoftheStateDepartment，wasdulyreceived。Itisthesubjectofthemostpainfulsolicitudewithme，andIfeelconstrainedtobegthatyouwillcountermandthewithdrawal。Thepublicinterest，Ithink，demandsthatyoushould；
andmypersonalfeelingsaredeeplyenlistedinthesamedirection。
Pleaseconsiderandanswerby9A。M。to—morrow。
Yourobedientservant，A。LINCOLN。
REPLYTOTHEPENNSYLVANIADELEGATION，WASHINGTON，MARCH5，1861
Mr。CHAIRMANANDGENTLEMENOFTHEPENNSYLVANIANDELEGATION：——AsI
havesofrequentlysaidheretofore，whenIhavehadoccasiontoaddressthepeopleoftheKeystone，inmyvisitstothatState，Icannowbutrepeattheassuranceofmygratificationatthesupportyougavemeattheelection，andatthepromiseofacontinuationofthatsupportwhichisnowtenderedtome。
AllusionhasbeenmadetothehopethatyouentertainthatyouhaveaPresidentandagovernment。InrespecttothatIwishtosaytoyouthatinthepositionIhaveassumedIwishtodomorethanIhaveevergivenreasontobelieveIwoulddo。IdonotwishyoutobelievethatIassumetobeanybetterthanotherswhohavegonebeforeme。Ipreferrathertohaveitunderstoodthatifweeverhaveagovernmentontheprinciplesweprofess，weshouldremember，whileweexerciseouropinion，thatothershavealsorightstotheexerciseoftheiropinions，andthatweshouldendeavortoallowtheserights，andactinsuchamannerastocreatenobadfeeling。
IhopewehaveagovernmentandaPresident。Ihope，andwishittobeunderstood，thattheremayhenoallusiontounpleasantdifferences。
WemustrememberthatthepeopleofalltheStatesareentitledtoalltheprivilegesandimmunitiesofthecitizensoftheseveralStates。Weshouldbearthisinmind，andactinsuchawayastosaynothinginsultingorirritating。Iwouldinculcatethisidea，sothatwemaynot，likePharisees，setourselvesuptobebetterthanotherpeople。
Now，myfriends，mypublicdutiesarepressingto—day，andwillpreventmygivingmoretimetoyou。Indeed，Ishouldnothaveleftthemnow，butIcouldnotwelldenymyselftosolargeandrespectableabody。
REPLYTOTHEMASSACHUSETTSDELEGATION，WASHINGTON，MARCH5，1861
Iamthankfulforthisrenewedassuranceofkindfeelingandconfidence，andthesupportoftheoldBayState，insofarasyou，Mr。Chairman，haveexpressed，inbehalfofthosewhomyourepresent，yoursanctionofwhatIhaveenunciatedinmyinauguraladdress。
Thisisverygratefultomyfeelings。Theobjectwasoneofgreatdelicacy，inpresentingviewsattheopeningofanadministrationunderthepeculiarcircumstancesattendingmyentranceupontheofficialdutiesconnectedwiththeGovernment。Istudiedallthepointswithgreatanxiety，andpresentedthemwithwhateverofabilityandsenseofjusticeIcouldbringtobear。IfitmettheapprobationofourgoodfriendsinMassachusetts，Ishallbeexceedinglygratified，whileIhopeitwillmeettheapprobationoffriendseverywhere。Iamthankfulfortheexpressionsofthosewhohavevotedwithus；andlikeeveryothermanofyou，IlikethemascertainlyasIdoothers。AsthePresidentintheadministrationoftheGovernment，IhopetobemanenoughnottoknowonecitizenoftheUnitedStatesfromanother，noronesectionfromanother。I
shallbegratifiedtohavegoodfriendsofMassachusettsandotherswhohavethusfarsupportedmeinthesenationalviewsstilltosupportmeincarryingthemout。
TOSECRETARYSEWARD
EXECUTIVECHAMBER，MARCH7，1861
MYDEARSIR：——Herewithisthediplomaticaddressandmyreply。Towhomthereplyshouldbeaddressed——thatis，bywhattitleorstyle——
Idonotquiteunderstand，andthereforeIhaveleftitblank。
Willyoupleasebringwithyouto—daythemessagefromtheWarDepartment，withGeneralScott’snoteuponit，whichwehadhereyesterday？IwishtoexaminetheGeneral’sopinion，whichIhavenotyetdone。
YoursverytrulyA。LINCOLN。
REPLYTOTHEDIPLOMATICCORPS
WASHINGTON，THURSDAY，MARCH7，1861
Mr。FIGANIEREANDGENTLEMENOFTHEDIPLOMATICBODY：——Pleaseacceptmysincerethanksforyourkindcongratulations。ItaffordsmepleasuretoconfirmtheconfidenceyousogenerouslyexpressinthefriendlydispositionoftheUnitedStates，throughme，towardsthesovereignsandgovernmentsyourespectivelyrepresent。WithequalsatisfactionIaccepttheassuranceyouarepleasedtogive，thatthesamedispositionisreciprocatedbyyoursovereigns，yourgovernments，andyourselves。
Allowmetoexpressthehopethatthesefriendlyrelationsmayremainundisturbed，aridalsomyferventwishesforthehealthandhappinessofyourselvespersonally。
TOSECRETARYSEWARD
EXECUTIVEMANSION，MARCH11，1861
HON。SECRETARYOFSTATE。
DEARSIR：——Whatthinkyouofsendingministersatonceasfollows：
DaytontoEngland；FremonttoFrance；ClaytoSpain；CorwintoMexico？
Weneedtohavethesepointsguardedasstronglyandquicklyaspossible。Thisissuggestionmerely，andnotdictation。
Yourobedientservant，A。LINCOLN。
TOJ。COLLAMER
EXECUTIVEMANSION，MARCH12，1861
HON。JACOBCOLLAMER。
MYDEARSIR：——Godhelpme。ItissaidIhaveoffendedyou。Ihopeyouwilltellmehow。
Yoursverytruly，A。LINCOLN。
March14，1861。
DEARSIR：——Iamentirelyunconsciousthatyouhaveanywayoffendedme。Icherishnosentimenttowardsyoubutthatofkindnessandconfidence。
Yourhumbleservant，J。COLLAMER
[Returnedwithindorsement：]
VerygladtoknowthatIhaven’t。
A。LINCOLN。
TOTHEPOSTMASTER—GENERAL。
EXECUTIVEMANSION，MARCH13，1861
HON。P。M。G。
DEARSIR：——Thebearerofthis，Mr。C。T。Hempstow，isaVirginianwhowishestoget，forhisson，asmallplaceinyourDept。IthinkVirginiashouldbeheard，insuchcases。
LINCOLN。
NOTEASKINGCABINETOPINIONSONFORTSUMTER。
EXECUTIVEMANSION，MARCH15，1861
THEHONORABLESECRETARYOFWAR。
MYDEARSIR：——AssumingittobepossibletonowprovisionFortSumter，underallthecircumstancesisitwisetoattemptit？Pleasegivemeyouropinioninwritingonthisquestion。
Yourobedientservant，A。LINCOLN。
[SametoothermembersoftheCabinet。]
ONROYALARBITRATIONOFAMERICANBOUNDARYLINE
TOTHESENATEOFTHEUNITEDSTATES
TheSenatehastransmittedtomeacopyofthemessagesentbymypredecessortothatbodyonthe21stofFebruarylast，proposingtotakeitsadviceonthesubjectofapropositionmadebytheBritishGovernmentthroughitsministerheretoreferthematterincontroversybetweenthatgovernmentandtheGovernmentoftheUnitedStatestothearbitramentoftheKingofSwedenandNorway，theKingoftheNetherlands，ortheRepublicoftheSwissConfederation。
InthatmessagemypredecessorstatedthathewishedtopresenttotheSenatetheprecisequestionsfollowing，namely：
\"WilltheSenateapproveatreatyreferringtoeitherofthesovereignpowersabovenamedthedisputenowexistingbetweenthegovernmentsoftheUnitedStatesandGreatBritainconcerningtheboundarylinebetweenVancouver’sIslandandtheAmericancontinent？
IncasetherefereeshallfindhimselfunabletodecidewherethelineisbythedescriptionofitinthetreatyofJune15，1846，shallhebeauthorizedtoestablishalineaccordingtothetreatyasnearlyaspossible？WhichofthethreepowersnamedbyGreatBritainasanarbitershallbechosenbytheUnitedStates？\"
Ifindnoreasontodisapproveofthecourseofmypredecessorinthisimportantmatter；but，onthecontrary，InotonlyshallreceivetheadviceoftheSenatethereoncheerfully，butIrespectfullyasktheSenatefortheiradviceonthethreequestionsbeforerecitedABRAHAMLINCOLN。
WASHINGTON，March16，1861
AMBASSADORIALAPPOINTMENTS
TOSECRETARYSEWARD。
EXECUTIVEMANSION，MARCH18，1861
HON。SECRETARYOFSTATE。
MYDEARSIR：——IbelieveitisanecessitywithustomaketheappointmentsImentionedlastnight——thatis，CharlesF。AdamstoEngland，WilliamL。DaytontoFrance，GeorgeP。MarshtoSardinia，andAnsonBurlingametoAustria。Thesegentlemenallhavemyhighestesteem，butnooneofthemisoriginallysuggestedbymeexceptMr。
Dayton。Mr。AdamsItakebecauseyousuggestedhim，coupledwithhiseminentfitnessfortheplace。Mr。MarshandMr。BurlingameItakebecauseoftheintensepressureoftheirrespectiveStates，andtheirfitnessalso。
Theobjectiontothiscardisthatlocallytheyaresohuddledup——
threebeinginNewEnglandandtwofromasingleState。Ihaveconsideredthis，andwillnotshrinkfromtheresponsibility。This，beingdone，leavesbutfivefullmissionsundisposedof——Rome，China，Brazil，Peru，andChili。AndthenwhataboutCarlSchurz；or，inotherwords，whataboutourGermanfriends？
Shallweputthecardthrough，andarrangetherestafterward？Whatsayyou？
Yourobedientservant，A。LINCOLN。
TOG。E。PATTEN。
EXECUTIVEMANSION，March19，1861。
TOMASTERGEO。EVANSPATTEN。
WHOMITMAYCONCERN：——IdidseeandtalkwithMasterGeo。EvansPattenlastMayatSpringfield，Ill。
Respectfully，A。LINCOLN。
[WrittenbecauseofadenialthatanyinterviewwithyoungPatten，thenaschoolboy，hadevertakenplace。]
RESPONSETOSENATEINQUIRYRE。FORTSUMTER
MESSAGETOTHESENATE。
TOTHESENATEOFTHEUNITEDSTATES：——IhavereceivedacopyoftheresolutionoftheSenate，passedonthe25thinstant，requestingme，ifinmyopinionnotincompatiblewiththepublicinterest，tocommunicatetotheSenatethedespatchesofMajorRobertAndersontotheWarDepartmentduringthetimehehasbeenincommandofFortSumter。Onexaminationofthecorrespondencethuscalledfor，I
have，withthehighestrespectfortheSenate，cometotheconclusionthatatthepresentmomentthepublicationofitwouldbeinexpedient。
ABRAHAMLINCOLN
WASHINGTON，MARCH16，1861
PREPARATIONOFFIRSTNAVALACTION
TOTHESECRETARYOFWAR
EXECUTIVEMANSION，MARCH29，1861
HONORABLESECRETARYOFWAR。
SIR：——Idesirethatanexpeditiontomovebyseabegotreadytosailasearlyasthe6thofAprilnext，thewholeaccordingtomemorandumattached，andthatyoucooperatewiththeSecretaryoftheNavyforthatobject。
Yourobedientservant，A。LINCOLN。
[Inclosure。]
SteamersPocahontasatNorfolk，PauneeatWashington，HarrietLaneatNewYork，tobeundersailingordersforsea，withstores，etc。，foronemonth。Threehundredmentobekeptreadyfordeparturefromonboardthereceiving—shipsatNewYork。TwohundredmentobereadytoleaveGovernor’sIslandinNewYork。Suppliesfortwelvemonthsforonehundredmentobeputinportableshape，readyforinstantshipping。Alargesteamerandthreetugsconditionallyengaged。
TO______STUART。
WASHINGTON，March30，1861
DEARSTUART：
CousinLizzieshowsmeyourletterofthe27th。ThequestionofgivinghertheSpringfieldpost—officetroublesme。YouseeIhavealreadyappointedWilliamJayneaTerritorialgovernorandJudgeTrumbull’sbrothertoaland—office。WillitdoformetogoonandjustifythedeclarationthatTrumbullandIhavedividedoutalltheofficesamongourrelatives？Dr。Wallace，youknow，isneedy，andlookstome；andIpersonallyowehimmuch。
Iseebythepapers，avoteistobetakenastothepost—office。
CouldyounotsetupLizzieandbeatthemall？She，beinghere，needknownothingofit，sothereforetherewouldbenoindelicacyonherpart。Yoursasever，TOTHECOMMANDANTOFTHENEWYORKNAVY—YARD。
NAVYDEPT。，WASHINGTON，April1，1861
TOTHECOMMANDANTOFTHENAVY—YARD，Brooklyn，N。Y。
FitoutthePowhatantogotoseaattheearnestpossiblemomentundersealedorders。Ordersbyaconfidentialmessengergoforwardto—morrow。
ABRAHAMLINCOLN。
TOLIEUTENANTD。D。PORTER
EXECUTIVEMANSION，April1，1861
LIEUTENANTD。D。PORTER，UnitedStatesNavy。
SIR：——YouwillproceedtoNewYork，andwiththeleastpossibledelay，assumingcommandofanynavalsteameravailable，proceedtoPensacolaHarbor，andatanycostorriskpreventanyexpeditionfromthemainlandreachingFortPickensorSantaRosaIsland。
YouwillexhibitthisordertoanynavalofficeratPensacola，ifyoudeemitnecessary，afteryouhaveestablishedyourselfwithintheharbor，andwillrequestco—operationbytheentranceofatleastoneothersteamer。
Thisorder，itsobject，andyourdestinationwillbecommunicatedtonopersonwhateveruntilyoureachtheharborofPensacola。
ABRAHAMLINCOLN。
Recommended，WILLIAMH。SEWARD。
RELIEFEXPEDITIONFORFORTSUMTER
ORDERTOOFFICERSOFTHEARMYANDNAVY。
WASHINGTON，EXECUTIVEMANSION，April1，1861。
AllofficersofthearmyandnavytowhomthisordermaybeexhibitedwillaidbyeverymeansintheirpowertheexpeditionunderthecommandofColonelHarveyBrown，supplyinghimwithmenandmaterial，andco—operatingwithhimashemaydesire。
ABRAHAMLINCOLN。
ORDERTOCAPTAINSAMUELMERCER。
Confidential。
WASHINGTONCITY，April1，1861
SIR：——CircumstancesrenderitnecessarytoplaceincommandofyourshipandforaspecialpurposeanofficerwhoisfullyinformedandinstructedinrelationtothewishesoftheGovernment，andyouwillthereforeconsideryourselfdetached。ButintakingthissteptheGovernmentdoesnotintheleastreflectuponyourefficiencyorpatriotism；onthecontrary，havethefullestconfidenceinyourabilitytoperformanydutyrequiredofyou。Hopingsoontobeabletogiveyouabettercommandthantheoneyounowenjoy，andtrustingthatyouwillhavefullconfidenceinthedispositionoftheGovernmenttowardyou，Iremain，etc。，ABRAHAMLINCOLN。
SECRETARYSEWARD’SBIDFORPOWER
MEMORANDUMFROMSECRETARYSEWARD，APRIL1，1861
SomethoughtsforthePresident’sConsideration，First。Weareattheendofamonth’sadministration，andyetwithoutapolicyeitherdomesticorforeign。
Second。This，however，isnotculpable，andithasevenbeenunavoidable。ThepresenceoftheSenate，withtheneedtomeetapplicationsforpatronage，havepreventedattentiontootherandmoregravematters。
Third。Butfurtherdelaytoadoptandprosecuteourpoliciesforbothdomesticandforeignaffairswouldnotonlybringscandalontheadministration，butdangeruponthecountry。
Fourth。Todothiswemustdismisstheapplicantsforoffice。Buthow？Isuggestthatwemakethelocalappointmentsforthwith，leavingforeignorgeneralonesforulteriorandoccasionalaction。
Fifth。Thepolicyathome。Iamawarethatmyviewsaresingular，andperhapsnotsufficientlyexplained。Mysystemisbuiltuponthisideaasarulingone，namely，thatwemustCHANGETHEQUESTIONBEFORETHEPUBLICFROMONEUPONSLAVERY，ORABOUT
SLAVERY，foraquestionuponUNIONORDISUNION：
Inotherwords，fromwhatwouldberegardedasapartyquestion，tooneofpatriotismorunion。
TheoccupationorevacuationofFortSumter，althoughnotinfactaslaveryorapartyquestion，issoregarded。WitnessthetempermanifestedbytheRepublicansinthefreeStates，andevenbytheUnionmenintheSouth。
Iwouldthereforeterminateitasasafemeansforchangingtheissue。Ideemitfortunatethatthelastadministrationcreatedthenecessity。
Fortherest，Iwouldsimultaneouslydefendandreinforcealltheportsinthegulf，andhavethenavyrecalledfromforeignstationstobepreparedforablockade。PuttheislandofKeyWestundermartiallaw。
Thiswillraisedistinctlythequestionofunionordisunion。I
wouldmaintaineveryfortandpossessionintheSouth。
FORFOREIGNNATIONS，IwoulddemandexplanationsfromSpainandFrance，categorically，atonce。
IwouldseekexplanationsfromGreatBritainandRussia，andsendagentsintoCanada，Mexico，andCentralAmericatorouseavigorouscontinentalspiritofindependenceonthiscontinentagainstEuropeanintervention。
And，ifsatisfactoryexplanationsarenotreceivedfromSpainandFrance，WouldconveneCongressanddeclarewaragainstthem。
Butwhateverpolicyweadopt，theremustbeanenergeticprosecutionofit。
Forthispurposeitmustbesomebody’sbusinesstopursueanddirectitincessantly。
EitherthePresidentmustdoithimself，andbeallthewhileactiveinit，orDevolveitonsomememberofhisCabinet。Onceadopted，debatesonitmustend，andallagreeandabide。
Itisnotinmyespecialprovince；ButIneitherseektoevadenorassumeresponsibility。
REPLYTOSECRETARYSEWARD’SMEMORANDUM
EXECUTIVEMANSION，APRIL1，1861
HON。W。H。SEWARD。
MYDEARSIR：——SincepartingwithyouIhavebeenconsideringyourpaperdatedthisday，andentitled\"SomeThoughtsforthePresident’sConsideration。\"Thefirstpropositioninitis，\"First，Weareattheendofamonth’sadministration，andyetwithoutapolicyeitherdomesticorforeign。\"
Atthebeginningofthatmonth，intheinaugural，Isaid：\"Thepowerconfidedtomewillbeusedtohold，occupy，andpossessthepropertyandplacesbelongingtotheGovernment，andtoCollectthedutiesandimposts。\"Thishadyourdistinctapprovalatthetime；and，takeninconnectionwiththeorderIimmediatelygaveGeneralScott，directinghimtoemployeverymeansinhispowertostrengthenandholdtheforts，comprisestheexactdomesticpolicyyounowurge，withthesingleexceptionthatitdoesnotproposetoabandonFortSumter。
Again，IdonotperceivehowthereinforcementofFortSumterwouldbedoneonaslaveryorapartyissue，whilethatofFortPickenswouldbeonamorenationalandpatrioticone。
ThenewsreceivedyesterdayinregardtoSt。Domingocertainlybringsanewitemwithintherangeofourforeignpolicy；butuptothattimewehavebeenpreparingcircularsandinstructionstoministersandthelike，allinperfectharmony，withoutevenasuggestionthatwehadnoforeignpolicy。
UponyourClosingpropositions——that，\"Whateverpolicyweadopt，theremustbeanenergeticprosecutionofit。
\"Forthispurposeitmustbesomebody’sbusinesstopursueanddirectitincessantly。
\"EitherthePresidentmustdoithimself，andbeallthewhileactiveinit，or，\"DevolveitonsomememberofhisCabinet。Onceadopted，debatesonitmustend，andallagreeandabide\"——
Iremarkthatifthismustbedone，Imustdoit。Whenagenerallineofpolicyisadopted，Iapprehendthereisnodangerofitsbeingchangedwithoutgoodreason，orcontinuingtobeasubjectofunnecessarydebate；still，uponpointsarisinginitsprogressI
wish，andsupposeIamentitledtohave，theadviceofalltheCabinet。
Yourobedientservant，A。LINCOLN。
REPLYTOACOMMITTEEFROMTHEVIRGINIACONVENTION，APRIL13，1861
HON。WILLIAMBALLARDPRESTON，ALEXANDERH。
H。STUART，GEORGEW。RANDOLPH，Esq。
GENTLEMEN：——AsacommitteeoftheVirginiaConventionnowinSession，youpresentmeapreambleandresolutioninthesewords：
\"Whereas，intheopinionofthisConvention，theuncertaintywhichprevailsinthepublicmindastothepolicywhichtheFederalExecutiveintendstopursuetowardthesecededStatesisextremelyinjurioustotheindustrialandcommercialinterestsofthecountry，tendstokeepupanexcitementwhichisunfavorabletotheadjustmentofpendingdifficulties，andthreatensadisturbanceofthepublicpeace：thereforeResolved，thatacommitteeofthreedelegatesbeappointedbythisConventiontowaituponthePresidentoftheUnitedStates，presenttohimthispreambleandresolution，andrespectfullyaskhimtocommunicatetothisConventionthepolicywhichtheFederalExecutiveintendstopursueinregardtotheConfederateStates。
\"AdoptedbytheConventionoftheStateofVirginia，Richmond，April8，1861。\"
InanswerIhavetosaythat，havingatthebeginningofmyofficialtermexpressedmyintendedpolicyasplainlyasIwasable，itiswithdeepregretandsomemortificationInowlearnthatthereisgreatandinjuriousuncertaintyinthepublicmindastowhatthatpolicyis，andwhatcourseIintendtopursue。Nothavingasyetseenoccasiontochange，itisnowmypurposetopursuethecoursemarkedoutintheinauguraladdress。IcommendacarefulconsiderationofthewholedocumentasthebestexpressionIcangiveofmypurposes。
AsIthenandthereinsaid，Inowrepeat：\"Thepowerconfidedtomewillbeusedtohold，occupy，andpossessthepropertyandplacesbelongingtotheGovernment，andtocollectthedutiesandimposts；
butbeyondwhatisnecessaryfortheseobjects，therewillbenoinvasion，nousingofforceagainstoramongthepeopleanywhere。\"Bythewords\"propertyandplacesbelongingtotheGovernment，\"I
chieflyalludetothemilitarypostsandpropertywhichwereinthepossessionoftheGovernmentwhenitcametomyhands。
Butif，asnowappearstobetrue，inpursuitofapurposetodrivetheUnitedStatesauthorityfromtheseplaces，anunprovokedassaulthasbeenmadeuponFortSumter，Ishallholdmyselfatlibertytorepossess，ifIcan，likeplaceswhichhadbeenseizedbeforetheGovernmentwasdevolveduponme。AndineveryeventIshall，totheextentofmyability，repelforcebyforce。IncaseitprovestruethatFortSumterhasbeenassaulted，asisreported，IshallperhapscausetheUnitedStatesmailstobewithdrawnfromalltheStateswhichclaimtohaveseceded，believingthatthecommencementofactualwaragainsttheGovernmentjustifiesandpossiblydemandsthis。
IscarcelyneedtosaythatIconsiderthemilitarypostsandpropertysituatedwithintheStateswhichclaimtohavesecededasyetbelongingtotheGovernmentoftheUnitedStatesasmuchastheydidbeforethesupposedsecession。
WhateverelseImaydoforthepurpose，Ishallnotattempttocollectthedutiesandimpostsbyanyarmedinvasionofanypartofthecountry；notmeaningbythis，however，thatImaynotlandaforcedeemednecessarytorelieveafortuponaborderofthecountry。
>FromthefactthatIhavequotedapartoftheinauguraladdress，itmustnotbeinferredthatIrepudiateanyotherpart，thewholeofwhichIreaffirm，exceptsofaraswhatInowsayofthemailsmayberegardedasamodification。
PROCLAMATIONCALLINGFOR75，000MILITIA，ANDCONVENINGCONGRESSIN
EXTRASESSION，APRIL15，1861。
BYTHEPRESIDENTOFTHEUNITEDSTATESOF
AMERICA：
AProclamation。
WhereasthelawsoftheUnitedStateshavebeenforsometimepastandnowareopposed，andtheexecutionthereofobstructed，intheStatesofSouthCarolina，Georgia，Alabama，Florida，Mississippi，Louisiana，andTexas，bycombinationstoopowerfultobesuppressedbytheordinarycourseofjudicialproceedings，orbythepowersvestedinthemarshalsbylaw：
Now，therefore，I，ABRAHAMLINCOLN，PresidentoftheUnitedStates，invirtueofthepowerinmevestedbytheConstitutionandthelaws，havethoughtfittocallforth，andherebydocallforth，themilitiaoftheseveralStatesoftheUnion，totheaggregatenumberofseventy—fivethousand，inordertosuppresssaidcombinations，andtocausethelawstobedulyexecuted。
ThedetailsforthisobjectwillbeimmediatelycommunicatedtotheStateauthoritiesthroughtheWarDepartment。
Iappealtoallloyalcitizenstofavor，facilitate，andaidthisefforttomaintainthehonor，theintegrity，andtheexistenceofourNationalUnion，andtheperpetuityofpopulargovernment；andtoredresswrongsalreadylongenoughendured。
Ideemitpropertosaythatthefirstserviceassignedtotheforcesherebycalledforthwillprobablybetorepossesstheforts，places，andpropertywhichhavebeenseizedfromtheUnion；andineveryeventtheutmostcarewillbeobserved，consistentlywiththeobjectsaforesaid，toavoidanydevastation，anydestructionoforinterferencewithproperty，oranydisturbanceofpeacefulcitizensinanypartofthecountry。
AndIherebycommandthepersonscomposingthecombinationsaforesaidtodisperseandretirepeacefullytotheirrespectiveabodeswithintwentydaysfromdate。
Deemingthatthepresentconditionofpublicaffairspresentsanextraordinaryoccasion，Idohereby，invirtueofthepowerinmevestedbytheConstitution，convenebothHousesofCongress。
SenatorsandRepresentativesarethereforesummonedtoassembleattheirrespectivechambers，attwelveo’clocknoon，onThursday，thefourthdayofJulynext，thenandtheretoconsideranddeterminesuchmeasuresas，intheirwisdom，thepublicsafetyandinterestmayseemtodemand。
Inwitnesswhereof，Ihavehereuntosetmyhand，andcausedthesealoftheUnitedStatestobeaffixed。
DoneatthecityofWashington，thisfifteenthdayofApril，intheyearofourLordonethousandeighthundredandsixty—one，andoftheindependenceoftheUnitedStatestheeighty—fifth。
ABRAHAMLINCOLN
BythePresident：
WILLIAMH。SEWARD，SecretaryofState。
PROCLAMATIONOFBLOCKADE，APRIL19，1861
BYTHEPRESIDENTOFTHEUNITEDSTATESOF
AMERICA：
AProclamation。
WhereasaninsurrectionagainsttheGovernmentoftheUnitedStateshasbrokenoutintheStatesofSouthCarolina，Georgia，Alabama，Florida，Mississippi，Louisiana，andTexas，andthelawsoftheUnitedStatesforthecollectionoftherevenuecannotbeeffectuallyexecutedthereinconformablytothatprovisionoftheConstitutionwhichrequiresdutiestobeuniformthroughouttheUnitedStates：
AndWhereasacombinationofpersonsengagedinsuchinsurrectionhavethreatenedtograntpretendedlettersofmarquetoauthorizethebearersthereoftocommitassaultsonthelives，vessels，andpropertyofgoodcitizensofthecountrylawfullyengagedincommerceonthehighseas，andinwatersoftheUnitedStates：
AndWhereasanexecutiveproclamationhasbeenalreadyissuedrequiringthepersonsengagedinthesedisorderlyproceedingstodesisttherefrom，callingoutamilitiaforceforthepurposeofrepressingthesame，andconveningCongressinextraordinarysessiontodeliberateanddeterminethereon：
Now，therefore，I，AbrahamLINCOLN，PresidentoftheUnitedStates，withaviewtothesamepurposesbeforementioned，andtotheprotectionofthepublicpeace，andthelivesandpropertyofquietandorderlycitizenspursuingtheirlawfuloccupations，untilCongressshallhaveassembledanddeliberatedonthesaidunlawfulproceedings，oruntilthesameshallhaveceased，havefurtherdeemeditadvisabletosetonfootablockadeoftheportswithintheStatesaforesaid，inpursuanceofthelawsoftheUnitedStates，andofthelawofnationsinsuchcaseprovided。Forthispurposeacompetentforcewillbepostedsoastoprevententranceandexitofvesselsfromtheportsaforesaid。If，therefore，withaviewtoviolatesuchblockade，avesselshallapproachorshallattempttoleaveeitherofthesaidports，shewillbedulywarnedbythecommanderofoneoftheblockadingvessels，whowillindorseonherregisterthefactanddateofsuchwarning，andifthesamevesselshallagainattempttoenterorleavetheblockadedport，shewillbecapturedandsenttothenearestconvenientport，forsuchproceedingsagainstherandhercargo，asprize，asmaybedeemedadvisable。
AndIherebyproclaimanddeclarethatifanyperson，underthepretendedauthorityofthesaidStates，orunderanyotherpretense，shallmolestavesseloftheUnitedStates，orthepersonsorcargoonboardofher，suchpersonwillbeheldamenabletothelawsoftheUnitedStatesforthepreventionandpunishmentofpiracy。
Inwitnesswhereof，IhavehereuntosetmyhandandcausedthesealoftheUnitedStatestobeaffixed。
DoneatthecityofWashington，thisnineteenthdayofApril，intheyearofourLordonethousandeighthundredandsixty—one，andoftheindependenceoftheUnitedStatestheeighty—fifth。
ABRAHAMLINCOLN。
BythePresident：
WILLIAMH。SEWARD，SecretaryofState。
TOGOVERNORHICKSANDMAYORBROWN。
WASHINGTON，April20，1861
GOVERNORHICKSANDMAYORBROWN。
GENTLEMEN：——YourletterbyMessrs。Bond，Dobbin，andBruneisreceived。Itenderyoubothmysincerethanksforyoureffortstokeepthepeaceinthetryingsituationinwhichyouareplaced。
Forthefuturetroopsmustbebroughthere，butImakenopointofbringingthemthroughBaltimore。Withoutanymilitaryknowledgemyself，ofcourseImustleavedetailstoGeneralScott。Hehastilysaidthismorninginthepresenceofthesegentlemen，\"MarchthemaroundBaltimore，andnotthroughit。\"IsincerelyhopetheGeneral，onfullerreflection，willconsiderthispracticalandproper，andthatyouwillnotobjecttoit。BythisacollisionofthepeopleofBaltimorewiththetroopswillbeavoided，unlesstheygooutoftheirwaytoseekit。Ihopeyouwillexertyourinfluencetopreventthis。
NowandeverIshalldoallinmypowerforpeaceconsistentlywiththemaintenanceoftheGovernment。
Yourobedientservant，ABRAHAMLINCOLN。
TOGOVERNORHICKS。
WASHINGTON，April20，1861
GOVERNORHICKS：
IdesiretoconsultwithyouandtheMayorofBaltimorerelativetopreservingthepeaceofMaryland。Pleasecomeimmediatelybyspecialtrain，whichyoucantakeatBaltimore；or，ifnecessary，onecanbesentfromhere。Answerforthwith。
LINCOLN。
ORDERTODEFENDFROMAMARYLANDINSURRECTION
ORDERTOGENERALSCOTT。
WASHINGTON，April25，1861
LIEUTENANT—GENERALSCOTT。
MYDEARSIR—TheMarylandLegislatureassemblesto—morrowatAnnapolis，andnotimprobablywilltakeactiontoarmthepeopleofthatStateagainsttheUnitedStates。Thequestionhasbeensubmittedtoandconsideredbymewhetheritwouldnotbejustifiable，uponthegroundofnecessarydefense，foryou，asGeneralinChiefoftheUnitedStatesArmy，toarrestordispersethemembersofthatbody。Ithinkitwouldnotbejustifiablenorefficientforthedesiredobject。
First。Theyhaveaclearlylegalrighttoassemble，andwecannotknowinadvancethattheiractionwillnotbelawfulandpeaceful，andifwewaituntiltheyshallhaveactedtheirarrestordispersionwillnotlessentheeffectoftheiraction。
Secondly。Wecannotpermanentlypreventtheiraction。Ifwearrestthem，wecannotlongholdthemasprisoners，andwhenliberatedtheywillimmediatelyreassembleandtaketheiraction；andpreciselythesameifwesimplydispersethem——theywillimmediatelyreassembleinsomeotherplace。
IthereforeconcludethatitisonlylefttotheCommandingGeneraltowatchandawaittheiraction，which，ifitshallbetoarmtheirpeopleagainsttheUnitedStates，heistoadoptthemostpromptandefficientmeanstocounteract，even，ifnecessary，tothebombardmentoftheircitiesand，intheextremistnecessity，thesuspensionofthewritofhabeascorpus。
Yourobedientservant，ABRAHAMLINCOLN。
PROCLAMATIONOFBLOCKADE，APRIL27，1861
BYTHEPRESIDENTOFTHEUNITEDSTATESOFAMERICA：
AProclamation。