If they will not do this, if they prefer to hazard all for the sake of destroying the government, it is for them to consider whether it is probable that I will surrender the government to save them from losing all.
In a letter to a Louisiana Unionist, Lincoln warns that he will not compromise the federal government's existence to protect those who seek its destruction.
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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.
Grant that he desires the elective franchise, will he not attain it sooner by saving the already advanced steps towards it, than by running backward over them?
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