Abraham Lincoln: “The question is, will it be wiser to take it as it is and help to improve it, or to reject and disperse it?”

As a general rule I abstain from reading the reports of attacks upon myself, wishing not to be provoked by that to which I cannot properly offer an answer.

If I were to try to read, much less answer, all the attacks made on me, this shop might as well be closed for any other business.

If the end brings me out wrong, ten angels swearing I was right would make no difference.

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.