It is under the Constitution, because the War Power to which it belongs is positively recognized by the Constitution.

It is above the Constitution, because, when set in motion, like necessity, it knows no other law.

The civil power, in mass and detail, is superseded, and all rights are subordinate to this military magistracy.

Slavery was abolished in Colombia, first, by the Spanish General Murillo, and, secondly, by the American General Bolivar.

I might furnish a thousand proofs to show that the pretensions of gentlemen to the sanctity of their municipal institutions, under a state of actual invasion and of actual war, whether servile, civil, or foreign, are wholly unfounded, and…

She, first of all, gave the example of Universal Freedom within her borders; and ever since that early day she has taken the leading part against Slavery.

It is her children who have never failed in this cause, where anything was to be done, whether by word or deed.

Massachusetts, for years, has borne the burden of this discussion, and also the heavier burden of obloquy long resting upon all who speak for the slave.

Thus does our country now writhe in the torturing folds of Slavery, the fearful serpent which came swimming out of the sea and fastened upon the Republic; but, God be praised! the Republic shall live, and the serpent be bruised to death.

Can we afford to reject this natural alliance, quickened by a common interest, and consecrated by humanity?

Without this alliance insurrection is inevitable, destined to be wild and lawless.

If Liberty does not descend from the tranquil heights of power, it will rise in blood, amidst the confusion of families.

Never should any question of money be allowed to interfere with human freedom.

Better an empty treasury than a single slave.

Two objects are before us, Union and Peace, each for the sake of the other, and both for the sake of the country; but without Emancipation how can we expect either?

But this cannot be by any half-way measure or lukewarm policy.

Hearken not to the voice of Slavery, no matter what its tone of persuasion.

It is the gigantic Traitor and Parricide,--not for a moment to be trusted.

Strike in the name of the Union, which only in this way can be restored,--in the name of Peace, which is vain without Union,--and in the name of Liberty also, sure to bring both Peace and Union in her glorious train.

Sumner remarked, “Then the War Power will be in motion, and with it great consequences.” In the solemnity of that moment, when peace seemed banished, although saddened inexpressibly, he saw at once the mighty instrument before which…

He would not and could not believe the success of the Rebels possible; but he saw no way to success on our part, except through Emancipation.

And still further, feeling the peril of European intervention, he longed for a declaration on our part that would make such an act impossible.

In his judgment, our foreign relations depended much on Emancipation.

The truth is, there is a desperate effort under the surface to drive you from the Senate next winter, and, if nothing is done, it is feared by many that the Conservative force will get so strong as to drive both you and Andrew from your…

Let us at all hazards prevent the extension of Slavery and the increase of the Slave Power.