We can not have free government without elections; and if the rebellion could force us to forego, or postpone a national election, it might fairly claim to have already conquered and ruined us.
Remarks in Response to a Serenade
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Allow the bearer, F. P. Blair, sr., to pass our lines, go South, and return.
Now, therefore, be it known that I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, do issue this my proclamation, as required by said act, ordering and requiting all deserters to return to their proper posts;
while I can not order as within requested, allow me to say that it is my wish for you to relieve the people from all burdens, harassments and oppressions so far as is possible consistently with your military necessities;
the object of the war being to restore and maintain the blessings of peace and good government, I desire you to help, and not hinder, every advance in that direction.
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