Abraham Lincoln: “The United States ought to cooperate with any State which may adopt gradual abolishment of slavery, giving to such State…”

If the end brings me out all right, what is said against me won't amount to anything.

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

The question is, will it be wiser to take it as it is and help to improve it, or to reject and disperse it?

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.