Abraham Lincoln: “This force is to cooperate with the troops in the service of the United States in repelling the invasion of the State 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.

I do the very best I know how--the very best I can; and I mean to keep doing so until the end.

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