Abraham Lincoln: “The execution of the laws for the suppression of the African slave trade has been confided to the Department of the…”

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 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.

Important principles may and must be inflexible.