Abraham Lincoln: “As it appears that no naval vessel can be spared for the purpose, I recommend that authority be given to charter a…”

Important principles may and must be inflexible.

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

I am considering, and shall not fail to act when satisfied that action will be proper.