William Seward: “The policy of the United States, with reference to foreign nations, has always been founded upon the moral principle of…”

By the blessing of the Author of those rights, they have prevailed over all opposition, and form the basis of thirteen independent States.

For the rest, the work of emancipation abides the action, whether it be slow or fast, of the moral sense of the American people.

But power, confessedly derived from the people, must be exercised in obedience to their will, and must be resigned to them again, at least in death.

How long emancipation may be delayed, is among the things concealed from our knowledge, but not so the certain result.