Abraham Lincoln

We accepted this war for an object, a worthy object, and the war will end when that object is attained. Under God, I hope it never will until that time.

Abraham Lincoln

We are in civil war. In such cases there always is a main question; but in this case that question is a perplexing compound – Union and slavery. It thus becomes a question not of two sides merely, but of at least four sides, even among those who are for the Union, saying nothing of those who are against it.

Abraham Lincoln

We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection.

Abraham Lincoln

We believe that the spreading out and perpetuity of the institution of slavery impairs the general welfare. We believe – nay, we know, that that is the only thing that has ever threatened the perpetuity of the Union itself.

Abraham Lincoln

We better know there is a fire whence we see much smoke rising than we could know it by one or two witnesses swearing to it. The witnesses may commit perjury, but the smoke cannot.

Abraham Lincoln

We can not have free government without elections; and if the rebellion could force us to forego, or postpone a national election it might fairly claim to have already conquered and ruined us.

Abraham Lincoln

We cannot ask a man what he will do, and if we should, and he should answer us, we should despise him for it. Therefore we must take a man whose opinions are known.

Abraham Lincoln

We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of Heaven; we have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity; we have grown in numbers, wealth, and power as no other nation has ever grown.

Abraham Lincoln

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.

Abraham Lincoln

We have, as all will agree, a free Government, where every man has a right to be equal with every other man. In this great struggle, this form of Government and every form of human right is endangered if our enemies succeed.

Abraham Lincoln