Abraham Lincoln: “It is hardly necessary to add that the nomination was made without any knowledge of it on his part.”

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

As a general rule I abstain from reading the reports of attacks upon myself, wishing not to be provoked by that to which I cannot properly offer an answer.

I do the very best I know how--the very best I can; and I mean to keep doing so until the end.

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.