I have never said anything to the contrary; but I hold, that, notwithstanding all this, there is no reason in the world why the negro is not entitled to all the natural rights enumerated in the Declaration of Independence,--the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
In a debate with Stephen Douglas, Lincoln affirmed that Black people are entitled to the natural rights outlined in the Declaration of Independence, despite other differences.
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As a general rule I abstain from reading the reports of attacks upon myself, wishing not to be provoked by that to which I cannot properly offer an answer.
I believe that it is not only possible, but in fact easier, to do this without deciding or even considering whether these States have ever been out of the Union, than with it.
Whenever I hear any one arguing for slavery, I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally.
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