On the recordMarch 4, 1861
His duty is to administer the present government, as it came to his hands, and to transmit it, unimpaired by him, to his successor.
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gutenberg.orgAbraham Lincoln: “His duty is to administer the present government, as it came to his hands, and to transmit it, unimpaired by him, to his…”
Editor's note · Context
From his first inaugural address, Lincoln defined the President's core responsibility as preserving the existing government and passing it on intact.
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More from Abraham Lincoln
Apr 11, 1865
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.
Apr 11, 1865
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.
Apr 11, 1865
The question is, will it be wiser to take it as it is and help to improve it, or to reject and disperse it?
Apr 10, 1865
I am considering, and shall not fail to act when satisfied that action will be proper.
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