Although Henry Clay could say he wished every slave in the United States was in the country of his ancestors, I am denounced by those who pretend to respect Henry Clay, for uttering a wish that it might sometime, in some peaceful way, come to an end.
Lincoln lamented that while revered figures like Henry Clay could express a wish for slavery's end, he was condemned for similar sentiments by those claiming to respect Clay.
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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.
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 all right, what is said against me won't amount to anything.
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.
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