I wish to see, in process of disappearing, that only thing which ever could bring this nation to civil war.

I have always thought that all men should be free; but if any should be slaves, it should be first those who desire for themselves, and secondly those who desire it for others. Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery, I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally.

The evacuation of Petersburg and Richmond, and the surrender of the principal insurgent army, give hope of a righteous and speedy peace whose joyous expression can not be restrained. In the midst of this, however, He, from Whom all blessings flow, must not be forgotten. A call for a national thanksgiving is being prepared, and will be duly promulgated.

If I could save the Union without freeing any slave, I would do it.

Seriously, I do not think I am fit for the Presidency.

We all declare for liberty, but in using the same word we do not all mean the same thing.

In your hands, my dissatisfied fellow-countrymen, and not in mine, is the momentous issue of civil war.