Abraham Lincoln

Whatever shall appear to be God's will, I will do.

Let me say one thing more: I think you should admit that we already have an important principle to rally and unite the people, in the fact that constitutional government is at stake.

I will also concede that emancipation would help us in Europe, and convince them that we are incited by something more than ambition.

The ambition of politicians may have instigated them to act, but they would have been impotent without slavery as their instrument.

I admit that slavery is at the root of the rebellion, or at least its sine qua non.

I view this matter as a practical war-measure, to be decided on according to the advantages or disadvantages it may offer to the suppression of the rebellion.

Would my word free the slaves, when I cannot even enforce the Constitution in the rebel States?

I do not want to issue a document that the whole world will see must necessarily be inoperative, like the Pope's bull against the comet!

The subject is difficult, and good men do not agree.

I must study the plain, physical facts of the case, ascertain what is possible, and learn what appears to be wise and right.

I am sure that either the one or the other class is mistaken in that belief, and perhaps, in some respects, both.

I am approached with the most opposite opinions and advice, and that by religious men, who are equally certain that they represent the Divine will.

Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle.

Ordered, That the general-in-chief, Major-General Halleck, immediately commence, and proceed with all possible despatch; to organize an army, for active operations, from all the material within and coming within his control, independent of…

By direction of the President, all the clerks and employees of the civil Departments and all the employees on the public buildings in Washington will be immediately organized into companies, under the direction of Brigadier-General…

I have here stated my purpose according to my views of official duty, and I intend no modification of my oft-expressed personal wish that all men everywhere could be free.

I shall try to correct errors where shown to be errors, and I shall adopt new views as fast as they shall appear to be true views.

I shall do less whenever I shall believe that what I am doing hurts the cause; and I shall do more whenever I shall believe doing more will help the cause.

What I do about slavery and the coloured race, I do because I believe it helps to save the Union; and what I forbear, I forbear because I do not believe it would help to save the Union.

If I could save the Union without freeing any slave, I would do it; if I could save it by freeing all the slaves, I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing some and leaving others alone, I would also do that.

My paramount object in this struggle is to save the Union, and not either to save or to destroy slavery.

If there be those who would not save the Union unless they could at the same time save slavery, I do not agree with them.

It often requires more courage to dare to do right than to fear to do wrong.

The draft for 300,000 militia called for by the President will be made on Wednesday, the 3d day of September, between the hours of 9 a. m. and 5 p.m., and continue from day to day between the same hours until completed.

If the old regiments should not be filled up by volunteers before the 1st day of September, a special draft will be ordered for the deficiency.