Abraham Lincoln: “I recommend an appropriation to carry into effect the provisions thereof relative to the payment of the proportion of…”

I am considering, and shall not fail to act when satisfied that action will be proper.

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.

The question is, will it be wiser to take it as it is and help to improve it, or to reject and disperse it?

Unlike a case of war between independent nations, there is no organized organ for us to treat with,--no one man has authority to give up the rebellion for any other man.