Special Message
01/29/1861
https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu...
It has rendered us prosperous in peace and triumphant in war.
I certainly had no right to make aggressive war upon any State, and I am perfectly satisfied that the Constitution has w...
Governments may be, and doubtless often have been, wrong in going to war to enforce claims.
It is my duty at all times to defend and protect the public property within the seceding States so far as this may be pr...