By no other result can the six thousand men be obtained from the two States, and, at the same time deal justly and keep faith with both, and we do but confuse ourselves in questioning the process by which the right result is reached.
Message to Governor Smith of Vermont
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More from Abraham Lincoln
Both parties deprecated war; but one of them would make war rather than let the nation survive, and the other would accept war rather than let it perish.
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.
Men are not flattered by being shown that there has been a difference of purpose between the Almighty and them.
Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery, I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally.
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