Abraham Lincoln: “In the annual message last December I thought fit to say 'the Union must be preserved, and hence all indispensable means…”

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.

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.

If the end brings me out all right, what is said against me won't amount to anything.