Abraham Lincoln: “I venture to hope it will appear that we have practiced prudence and liberality toward foreign powers, averting causes…”

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.

If I were to try to read, much less answer, all the attacks made on me, this shop might as well be closed for any other business.

If the end brings me out wrong, ten angels swearing I was right would make no difference.

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