In unfolding to my countrymen the principles by which I shall be governed, in the fulfilment of those duties, my first resort will be to that constitution which I shall swear, to the best of my ability, to preserve, protect, and defend.
Seward emphasizes the importance of the Constitution in guiding his duties as a public servant.
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How long emancipation may be delayed, is among the things concealed from our knowledge, but not so the certain result.
It depends not on the zeal and firmness only of the reformers, but on their wisdom and moderation also.
For the rest, the work of emancipation abides the action, whether it be slow or fast, of the moral sense of the American people.
From and after the fourth day of July, 1842, there shall be, throughout the United States, NO HEREDITARY SLAVERY, but on and after that day every child born within the United States shall be FREE.
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