On the recordSeptember 15, 1858
If I wished to refuse to give legislative support to slave property in the Territories, if a member of Congress, I could not do it, holding the view that the Constitution establishes that right.
Source
gutenberg.orgAbraham Lincoln: “If I wished to refuse to give legislative support to slave property in the Territories, if a member of Congress, I could…”
Editor's note · Context
Lincoln states that if he believed the Constitution established the right to hold slaves in the territories, his oath would compel him to provide legislative support, despite personal opposition.
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