When I do speak, I hope I may say nothing in opposition to the spirit of the Constitution, contrary to the integrity of the Union, or which will prove inimical to the liberties of the people or to the peace of the whole country.
Speaking in Pittsburgh during his journey to Washington, Lincoln articulated his commitment to constitutional principles and national unity amidst the secession crisis.
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Let us have faith that right makes might, and in that faith, let us, to the end, dare to do our duty as we understand it.
Now, therefore, be it known that I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, do issue this my proclamation, as required by said act, ordering and requiting all deserters to return to their proper posts;
I do the very best I know how--the very best I can; and I mean to keep doing so until the end.
I do hereby notify them that all deserters who shall, within sixty days from the date of this proclamation, viz, on or before the 10th day of May, 1865, return to service or report themselves to a provost-marshal shall be pardoned, on…
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