We had slaves among us; we could not get our Constitution unless we permitted them to remain in slavery; we could not secure the good we did secure, if we grasped for more; but, having by necessity submitted to that much, it does not destroy the principle that is the charter of our liberties.
In a debate, Lincoln explained the historical compromise on slavery during the nation's founding, arguing it did not negate the core principle of liberty.
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More from Abraham Lincoln
If the end brings me out wrong, ten angels swearing I was right would make no difference.
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.
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?
I do the very best I know how--the very best I can; and I mean to keep doing so until the end.
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