Abraham Lincoln: “It is the voice of the people now for the first time heard upon the question.”

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.

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.

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