Nor was it my view that I might take an oath to get power, and break the oath in using the power.

Was it possible to lose the nation and yet preserve the Constitution?

If slavery is not wrong, nothing is wrong.

God alone can claim it.

For it has been said, "all that a man hath will he give for his life;" and while all contribute of their substance, the soldier puts his life at stake, and often yields it up in his country's cause.

The highest merit, then, is due to the soldier.

But I must say, that if all that has been said by orators and poets since the creation of the world in praise of women were applied to the women of America, it would not do them justice for their conduct during this war.

The Government bounties as now paid continue until April 1, 1864, at which time the additional bounties cease.

I transmit to Congress a copy of a treaty between the United States and Great Britain for the final settlement of the claims of the Hudsons Bay and Pugets Sound Agricultural Companies, concluded on the 1st of July last, the ratifications…

It is desirable that the legislation necessary to give effect to the convention on the part of the United States should anticipate the usual course of proceeding.

I barely suggest for your private consideration, whether some of the coloured people may not be let in--as, for instance, the very intelligent, and especially those who have fought gallantly in our ranks.

They would probably help, in some trying time to come, to keep the jewel of liberty within the family of freedom.

I therefore invite the early attention of Congress to the subject.

In obedience to the resolution of the Senate of the 28th of January last, I communicate herewith a report, with accompanying papers, from the Secretary of the Interior.

In relieving Major-General Halleek from duty as General in Chief, the President desires to express his approbation and thanks for the able and zealous manner in which the arduous and responsible duties of that position have been performed.

Showing what portion of the appropriations for the colonization of persons of African descent has been expended and the several steps which have been taken for the execution of the acts of Congress on that subject.

Under the authority of an act of Congress to revive the grade of lieutenant-general in the United States Army, approved February 29, 1864, Lieutenant-General Ulysses S. Grant, United States Army, is assigned to the command of the armies of…

I have made the order of which a copy is herewith, and caused the same to be filed in the Department of the Interior.

Since then the company has represented to me that upon actual surveys made it has determined upon the precise point of departure of their said branch road from the Missouri River.

I deem it proper to add that on the 17th day of November last an Executive order was made upon this subject and delivered to the vice-president of the Union Pacific Railroad Company.

I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, do, upon the application of the said company designate and establish such first above-named point on the western boundary of the State of Iowa east of and opposite to the east line of…

it is directed that the order aforesaid may be carried into effect

I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go.

I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live by the light that I have.

Judge not, that ye be not judged.