Abraham Lincoln: “But the rebellion continues; and now that the election is over, may not all, having a common interest, re-unite in a…”

The question is, will it be wiser to take it as it is and help to improve it, or to reject and disperse it?

If the end brings me out all right, what is said against me won't amount to anything.

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

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.