Abraham Lincoln: “I do not believe any compromise embracing the maintenance of the Union is now possible.”

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.

I do the very best I know how--the very best I can; and I mean to keep doing so until the end.

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.

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