Abraham Lincoln: “The United States, whatever claim or pretense may have existed heretofore, are now, at least, entitled to claim and…”

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.

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.

If the end brings me out wrong, ten angels swearing I was right would make no difference.

I do the very best I know how--the very best I can; and I mean to keep doing so until the end.