Abraham Lincoln: “While it appears by the letter that no reimbursement of expenses or compensation was promised him, I submit whether…”

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.

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.

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

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.