Category: Quote of the Day

If slavery is right, it ought to be extended; if not, it ought to be restricted – there is no middle ground.”– Speech in Hartford, March 5, 1860

If a man will stand up and assert, and repeat and re-assert, that two and two do not make four, I know nothing in the power of argument that can stop him.”– Speech at Peoria, October 16, 1854

If a man says he knows a thing, then he must show how he knows it.”– Debate at Ottawa, Illinois, August 21, 1858

I would save the Union. I would save it the shortest way under the Constitution. The sooner the national authority can be restored; the nearer the Union will be ‘the Union as it was.’”– Letter to Horace Greeley, August 22, 1862

I would like to speak in terms of praise due to the many brave officers and soldiers who have fought in the cause of the war.”– Response to a Serenade , July 7, 1863

I wish you to do nothing merely for revenge, but that what you may do shall be solely done with reference to the security of the future.”– Letter to General William S. Rosecrans, November 19, 1864

I wish to do justice to all.”– Speech in Congress, July 27, 1848

I wish all men to be free.”– Letter to Henry W. Hoffman, October 4, 1864

I therefore consider that in view of the Constitution and the laws, the Union is unbroken; and to the extent of my ability I shall take care, as the Constitution itself expressly enjoins upon me, that the laws of the Union be faithfully executed in all the States.”– Inaugural Address, March 4, 1861

I surely will not blame them for not doing what I should not know how to do myself.”– Speech at Peoria, Illinois, October 16, 1854