Abraham Lincoln: “I transmit to the Senate, for its consideration with a view to ratification, two conventions between the United States…”

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.

Grant that he desires the elective franchise, will he not attain it sooner by saving the already advanced steps towards it, than by running backward over them?

I am considering, and shall not fail to act when satisfied that action will be proper.

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.