Abraham Lincoln actually said...

By virtue of the act of Congress, takes military possession of all the telegraph lines in the United States.

Executive Order—Taking into Military Possession all Telegraph Lines in the United States

02/24/1862

More Abraham Lincoln Quotes

But the election was a necessity.

I am thankful to God for this approval of the people.

I do not impugn the motives of any one opposed to me.

It is no pleasure to me to triumph over any one; but I give thanks to the Almighty for this evidence of the people's resolution to stand by ...