February 26, 1861
With deep gratitude to my countrymen for this mark of their confidence; with a distrust of my own ability to perform the required duty under the most favourable circumstances, now rendered doubly difficult by existing national perils; yet with a firm reliance on the strength of our free government, and the ultimate loyalty of the people to the just principles upon which it is founded, and above all an unshaken faith in the Supreme Ruler of nations, I accept this trust. Be pleased to signify my acceptance to the respective Houses of Congress.