On the recordSeptember 13, 1862
The ambition of politicians may have instigated them to act, but they would have been impotent without slavery as their instrument.
Source
gutenberg.orgAbraham Lincoln: “The ambition of politicians may have instigated them to act, but they would have been impotent without slavery as their…”
Editor's note · Context
Lincoln asserts that while political ambition played a role, slavery was the indispensable tool enabling the rebellion.
Share
More from Abraham Lincoln
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 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
I do the very best I know how--the very best I can; and I mean to keep doing so until the end.
Apr 11, 1865
He said, with a great deal of emphasis, and with an expression of countenance I shall never forget: "When a man is sincerely penitent for his misdeeds, and gives satisfactory evidence of the same, he can safely be pardoned, and there is no…
Other voices in this conversation
