I do not argue--I beseech you to make arguments for yourselves.
Editor's note · Context
In a proclamation urging border states to consider compensated emancipation, Lincoln appeals to their reason rather than dictating terms.
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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.
I do hereby notify them that all deserters who shall, within sixty days from the date of this proclamation, viz, on or before the 10th day of May, 1865, return to service or report themselves to a provost-marshal shall be pardoned, on…
If I were to try to read, much less answer, all the attacks made on me, this shop might as well be closed for any other business.
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.





