The people when rightly and fully trusted will return the trust.

America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.

Fellow countrymen: At this second appearing to take the oath of the Presidential office, there is less occasion for an extended address than there was at the first...The progress of our arms, upon which all else chiefly depends, is as well known to the public as to myself; and it is, I trust, reasonably satisfactory and encouraging to all. With high hope for the future, no prediction in regard to it is ventured.

The unpleasant events you are passing from will not have been profitless to you.

I was born and have ever remaind [sic] in the most humble walks of life.

On the whole, my impression is that mercy bears richer fruits than any other attribute.

I repeat the declaration made a year ago, that 'while I remain in my present position I shall not attempt to retract or modify the emancipation proclamation, nor shall I return to slavery any person who is free by the terms of that proclamation, or by any of the Acts of Congress.' If the people should, by whatever mode or means, make it an Executive duty to re-enslave such persons, another, and not I, must be their instrument to perform it.