I intend no reproach or complaint when I assure you that, in my opinion, if you all had voted for the resolution in the gradual-emancipation message of last March, the war would now be substantially ended.
Message of Appeal to Border-State Representatives in Favor of Compensated Emancipation
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Now, therefore, be it known that I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, do issue this my proclamation, as required by said act, ordering and requiting all deserters to return to their proper posts;
The United States, whatever claim or pretense may have existed heretofore, are now, at least, entitled to claim and concede an entire and friendly equality of rights and hospitalities with all maritime nations.
Let us strive to deserve, as far as mortals may, the continued favor of Almighty God.
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.
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