"That we may not touch property lying within our reach because we can not give personal notice to an owner who is absent endeavoring to destroy the Government is certainly not very satisfactory."
"To the tenth section I make no objection."
"Please inform the Senate that I shall be obliged if they will postpone the adjournment at least one day beyond the time which I understand to be now fixed for it."
"Herewith is a draft of a bill to compensate any State which may abolish slavery within its limits, the passage of which substantially as presented I respectfully and earnestly recommend."
"I intend no reproach or complaint when I assure you that, in my opinion, if you all had voted for the resolution in the gradual-emancipation message of last March, the war would now be substantially e..."
"Let the States which are in rebellion see definitely and certainly that in no event will the States you represent ever join their proposed confederacy, and they cannot much longer maintain the contest..."
"Break that lever before their faces, and they can shake you no more forever."
"How much better for you and for your people to take the step which at once shortens the war and secures substantial compensation for that which is sure to be wholly lost in any other event!"
"I do not speak of emancipation at once, but of a decision at once to emancipate gradually."
"Our common country is in great peril, demanding the loftiest views and boldest action to bring a speedy relief."
"To you, more than to any others, the privilege is given to assure that happiness and swell that grandeur, and to link your own names therewith forever."
"I recommend that the thanks of Congress be given to the following officers of the United States Navy"