If it were just to suppose, as the insurgents have seemed to assume, that foreign nations in this case, discarding all moral, social, and treaty obligations, would act solely and selfishly for the most speedy restoration of commerce.
First Annual Message
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More from Abraham Lincoln
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.
I am considering, and shall not fail to act when satisfied that action will be proper.
If the end brings me out wrong, ten angels swearing I was right would make no difference.
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