that commercial intercourse with those ports, except as to persons, things, and information contraband of war, may from that time be carried on, subject to the laws of the United States, to the limitations and in pursuance of the…

By order of the President of the United States

But the election, along with its incidental, and undesirable strife, has done good too.

But the rebellion continues; and now that the election is over, may not all, having a common interest, re-unite in a common effort, to save our common country?

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.

It has demonstrated that a people's government can sustain a national election, in the midst of a great civil war.

It has long been a grave question whether any government, not too strong for the liberties of its people, can be strong enough to maintain its own existence, in great emergencies.

And now, let me close by asking three hearty cheers for our brave soldiers and seamen and their gallant and skilful commanders.

While I am deeply sensible to the high compliment of a re-election; and duly grateful, as I trust, to Almighty God for having directed my countrymen to a right conclusion, as I think, for their own good, it adds nothing to my satisfaction…

Human-nature will not change.

If the loyal people, united, were put to the utmost of their strength by the rebellion, must they not fail when divided, and partially paralized, by a political war among themselves?

May I ask those who have not differed with me, to join with me, in this same spirit towards those who have?

But the election was a necessity.

It is no pleasure to me to triumph over any one; but I give thanks to the Almighty for this evidence of the people's resolution to stand by free government and the rights of humanity.

I earnestly believe that the consequences of this day's work, if it be as you assure me and as now seems probable, will be to the lasting advantage, if not to the very salvation, of the country.

I am thankful to God for this approval of the people.

I do not impugn the motives of any one opposed to me.

I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, in accordance with the duty imposed upon me by the act of Congress aforesaid, do hereby declare and proclaim that the said State of Nevada is admitted into the Union on an equal footing…