I shall not attempt to retract or modify the emancipation proclamation, nor shall I return to slavery any person who is free by the terms of that proclamation or by any of the acts of Congress.
Third Annual Message
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More from Abraham Lincoln
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.
I do the very best I know how--the very best I can; and I mean to keep doing so until the end.
If the end brings me out all right, what is said against me won't amount to anything.
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.
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