On the recordJuly 12, 1862
If the war continues long, as it must if the object be not sooner attained, the institution in your States will be extinguished by mere friction and abrasion,--by the mere incidents of the war.
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gutenberg.orgAbraham Lincoln: “If the war continues long, as it must if the object be not sooner attained, the institution in your States will be…”
Editor's note · Context
Addressing Border State representatives, Lincoln predicts that if the Civil War continues, slavery in their states will inevitably be destroyed by the conflict itself.
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More from Abraham Lincoln
Apr 10, 1865
I am considering, and shall not fail to act when satisfied that action will be proper.
Apr 11, 1865
I do the very best I know how--the very best I can; and I mean to keep doing so until the end.
Apr 11, 1865
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.
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