The possession of the least organized naval force would stimulate a generous ambition in the Republic, and the confidence which we should manifest by furnishing it would win forbearance and favor toward the colony from all civilized…

I regard our immigrants as one of the principal replenishing streams which are appointed by Providence to repair the ravages of internal war and its wastes of national strength and health.

All that is necessary is to secure the flow of that stream in its present fullness, and to that end the Government must in every way make it manifest that it neither needs nor designs to impose involuntary military service upon those who…

Men readily perceive that they can not be much oppressed by a debt which they owe to themselves.

Although short of complete success, it is much in the fight direction that 12,000 citizens in each of the States of Arkansas and Louisiana have organized loyal State governments, with free constitutions, and are earnestly struggling to…

The genius of rebellion will no more claim Maryland.

Like another foul spirit being driven out, it may seek to tear her, but it will woo her no-more.

It is the voice of the people now for the first time heard upon the question.

In a great national crisis like ours unanimity of action among those seeking a common end is very desirable--almost indispensable.

And yet no approach to such unanimity is attainable unless some deference shall be paid to the will of the majority simply because it is the will of the majority.

In this case the common end is the maintenance of the Union, and among the means to secure that end such will, through the election, is most dearly declared in favor of such constitutional amendment.

The most reliable indication of public purpose in this country is derived through our popular elections.

Judging by the recent canvass and its result, the purpose of the people within the loyal States to maintain the integrity of the Union was never more firm nor more nearly unanimous than now.

Not only all those who supported the Union ticket, so called, but a great majority of the opposing party also may be fairly claimed to entertain and to be actuated by the same purpose.

It is an unanswerable argument to this effect that no candidate for any office whatever, high or low, has ventured to seek votes on the avowal that he was for giving up the Union.

There have been much impugning of motives and much heated controversy as to the proper means and best mode of advancing the Union cause, but on the distinct issue of Union or no Union the politicians have shown their instinctive knowledge…

In affording the people the fair opportunity of showing one to another and to the world this firmness and unanimity of purpose, the election has been of vast value to the national cause.

While it is melancholy to reflect that the war has filled so many graves and carried mourning to so many hearts, it is some relief to know that, compared with the surviving, the fallen have been so few.

The important fact remains demonstrated that we have more men now than we had when the war began; that we are not exhausted nor in process of exhaustion; that we are gaining strength and may if need be maintain the contest indefinitely.

The national resources, then, are unexhausted, and, as we believe, inexhaustible.

The public purpose to reestablish and maintain the national authority is unchanged, and, as we believe, unchangeable.

On careful consideration of all the evidence accessible it seems to me that no attempt at negotiation with the insurgent leader could result in any good.

He would accept nothing short of severance of the Union, precisely what we will not and can not give.

He can not voluntarily reaccept the Union; we can not voluntarily yield it.

Between him and us the issue is distinct, simple, and inflexible.