And, although it is distasteful to me, I have sworn to support the Constitution; and, having so sworn, I cannot conceive that I do support it if I withhold from that right any necessary legislation to make it practical.
Lincoln explains his constitutional duty to support legislation for rights established by the Constitution, even when personally opposed to the underlying issue of slavery.
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Let us have faith that right makes might, and in that faith, let us, to the end, dare to do our duty as we understand it.
Now, therefore, be it known that I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim and direct that all persons detected in that nefarious traffic shall be arrested and tried by court-martial at the nearest…
The United States, whatever claim or pretense may have existed heretofore, are now, at least, entitled to claim and concede an entire and friendly equality of rights and hospitalities with all maritime nations.
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