It is not my purpose to review our discussions with foreign states, because, whatever might be their wishes or dispositions, the integrity of our country and the stability of our Government mainly depend not upon them, but on the loyalty, virtue, patriotism, and intelligence of the American people.
Lincoln stresses that the strength of the nation relies more on its citizens than on foreign relations.
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If the end brings me out wrong, ten angels swearing I was right would make no difference.
The question is, will it be wiser to take it as it is and help to improve it, or to reject and disperse it?
He said, with a great deal of emphasis, and with an expression of countenance I shall never forget: "When a man is sincerely penitent for his misdeeds, and gives satisfactory evidence of the same, he can safely be pardoned, and there is no…
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