Abraham Lincoln: “To the House of Representatives: I transmit herewith a report from the Secretary of State, in reply to the resolution of…”

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.

Important principles may and must be inflexible.

If I were to try to read, much less answer, all the attacks made on me, this shop might as well be closed for any other business.

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.