Indeed, abolition societies existed as far south as Virginia; and it is a well-known fact that Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Lee, Henry, Mason, and Pendleton were qualified abolitionists, and much more radical on that subject than we of the Whig and Democratic parties claim to be to-day.
Lincoln asserts that many Southern Founding Fathers held stronger anti-slavery sentiments than current political parties, highlighting a historical shift.
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More from Abraham Lincoln
If the end brings me out all right, what is said against me won't amount to anything.
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.
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.
I have always thought that all men should be free; but if any should be slaves, it should be first those who desire it for themselves, and secondly those who desire it for others.
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