On the recordOctober 16, 1854
The argument of "necessity" was the only argument they ever admitted in favour of slavery, and so far, and so far only as it carried them, did they ever go.
Source
gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
In his Peoria speech, Lincoln argued that the Founding Fathers only tolerated slavery out of perceived necessity, never endorsing it as a moral right.
Share
More from Abraham Lincoln
Mar 17, 1865
I have always thought that all men should be free; but if any should be slaves, it should be first those who desire it for themselves, and secondly those who desire it for others.
Mar 7, 1865
but whereas information has recently been received which affords reasonable grounds to expect that Her Britannic Majesty's Government and the executive and legislative branches of the government of Canada have taken and will continue to…
Mar 10, 1865
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;
Other voices in this conversation
