Abraham Lincoln: “Foreign intervention, openly invited and industriously instigated by the abettors of the insurrection, became imminent.”

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.

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

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