Abraham Lincoln: “The most reliable indication of public purpose in this country is derived through our popular elections.”

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.

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

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.

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.