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In2Jump to section compliance with a custom as old as the government itself, I appear before you to address you briefly, and to take, in your presence, the oath prescribed by the Constitution of the United States, to be taken by the President ``before he enters on the execution of his office.''3Jump to section
The more modern custom of electing4Jump to section a Chief Magistrate upon a previously declared platform5Jump to section of principles, supercedes, in a great measure, the necessity of repeating6Jump to section those principles in an inaugural address.7Jump to section Upon the plainest grounds of good faith, one so elected is not at liberty to shift his position.8Jump to section It is necessarily implied, if not expressed, that, in his judgment, the platform which he thus accepts,9Jump to section binds him to nothing either unconstitutional or inexpedient.
Having10Jump to section been so elected upon the Chicago Platform, and while I would repeat nothing in it, of aspersion or epithet or question of motive against any man or party, I hold myself bound by duty, as well as impelled by inclination to follow, within the executive sphere, the principles therein declared. By no other course could I meet the reasonable expectations of the country.11Jump to section
I do not consider it necessary at present for me to12Jump to section say more than I have, in relation to those matters of administration, about which there is no special excitement.
Apprehension seems to exist among the people of the Southern States, that by the accession of a Republican Administration, their property, and their peace, and personal security, are to be endangered. There has never been any reasonable cause for such apprehension. Indeed, the most ample evidence to the contrary has all the while existed, and been open to their inspection. It is found in nearly all the published speeches of him who now addresses you. I do but quote from one of those speeches when I declare that ``I have no purpose, directly or indirectly, to interfere with the institution of slavery in the States where it exists. I believe I have no lawful right to do so, and I have no inclination to do so.'' Those who nominated and elected me did so with full knowledge that I had made this and many other similar declarations, and had never recanted them. And more than this, they placed in the platform, for my acceptance, and as a law to themselves, and to me, the clear and emphatic resolution which I now read:
``Resolved, That the maintenance inviolate of the rights of the States, and especially the right of each State to order and control its own domestic institutions according to its own judgment exclusively, is essential to that balance of power on which the perfection and endurance of our political fabric depend; and we denounce the lawless invasion by armed force of the soil of any State or Territory, no matter under what pretext, as among the gravest of crimes.''
I now reiterate these sentiments: and in doing so, I only press upon the public attention the most conclusive evidence of which the case is susceptible, that the property, peace and security of no section are to be in anywise endangered by the now incoming Administration. I add too, that all the protection which, consistently with the Constitution and the laws, can be given, will be cheerfully given13Jump to section to all the States---as cheerfully to one section as to another.
There is much controversy about the delivering up of fugitives from service or labor. The clause I now read is as plainly written in the Constitution as any other of its provisions:
``No person held to service or labor in one State, under the laws thereof, escaping into another, shall, in consequence of any law or regulation therein, be discharged from such service or labor, but shall be delivered up on claim of the party to whom such service or labor may be due.''
It is scarcely questioned that this provision was intended by those who made it, for the reclaiming of what we call fugitive slaves; and the intention of the law-giver is the law. All members of Congress swear their support to the whole Constitution---to this provision as much as to any other. To the proposition, then, that slaves whose cases come within the terms of this clause, ``shall be delivered up,'' their oaths are unanimous. Now, if they would all begin14Jump to section in good temper, could they not, with something like15Jump to section nearly equal unanimity, frame and pass a law,16Jump to section through which to keep good that unanimous oath?
There is some difference of opinion whether this clause should be enforced by national or by state authority; but surely that difference is not a very material one. If the slave is to be surrendered, it can be of but little consequence to him, or to others, by which authority it is done. And should any one, in any case, be content
that his oath shall go unkept, on a merely unsubstantial controversy as to how it shall be kept?
Again, in any law upon this subject, ought not all the safeguards of liberty known in human and17Jump to section civilized jurisprudence to be introduced, so that a free man be not, in any case, surrendered as a slave?
I take the official oath to-day, with no mental reservations, and with no purpose to construe the Constitution or laws, by any hypercritical rules. And while I do not think proper18Jump to section now to specify particular acts of Congress as proper to be enforced, I do suggest that it will be much safer for all, both in official and private stations, to conform to and abide by all those acts which stand unrepealed, than to violate any of them, trusting to find impunity in having them held to be unconstitutional.
It is now19Jump to section seventy-two years since the first inauguration of a President under our national Constitution. During the20Jump to section period between then and now,21Jump to section fifteen different and greatly distinguished citizens, have in succession, administered the executive branch of the government. They have conducted it through many perils; and, on the whole,22Jump to section with great success. Yet, with all this scope for precedent, I now enter upon the same task for the brief constitutional term of four years, under great and peculiar difficulty. A disruption of the Federal Union23Jump to section is menaced, and, so far as can be on paper, is already effected. The particulars of what has been done are so familiar and so fresh, that I need24Jump to section to waste no25Jump to section time in recounting them.
I hold, that in contemplation of universal law, and of the Constitution, the Union of these States is perpetual. Perpetuity is implied, if not expressed, in the fundamental law of all national governments. It is safe to assert that no government proper, ever had a provision in its organic law for its own termination. Continue to execute all the express provisions of our national Constitution, and the Union will endure forever---it being impossible to destroy it, except by some action not provided for in the instrument itself.
Again, if the United States be not a government proper, but an association of States in the nature of contract merely, can it, as a contract, be peaceably unmade, by less than all the parties who made it? One party to a contract may violate it---break it, so to speak; but does it not require all to26Jump to section rescind it?
Descending from these general principles, we find the proposition that, in legal contemplation, the Union is perpetual, confirmed by the history of the Union itself. The Union is much older than the Constitution. It was formed in fact, by the Articles of Association in 1774. It was matured and continued by the Declaration of Independence in 1776. It was further matured and expressly declared and pledged,27Jump to section to be perpetual, by the Articles of Confederation in 1778. And finally, in 1787, one of the declared objects for ordaining and establishing the Constitution, was ``to form a more perfect union.''
But if destruction of the Union, by one, or by a part only, of the States, be lawfully possible, the Union is less perfect than before, which28Jump to section contradicts the Constitution, and therefore is absurd.29Jump to section
It follows from these views that no State, upon its own mere motion, can lawfully get out of the Union,---that resolves and ordinances to that effect are legally nothing;30Jump to section and that acts of violence, within any State or States,31Jump to section are insurrectionary or treasonable,32Jump to section according to circumstances.
I therefore consider that33Jump to section the Union is unbroken; and, to the extent of my ability, I shall take care34Jump to section that the laws of the Union be faithfully executed in all the States. Doing this I deem to be only a simple duty on my part; and I shall perform it,35Jump to section unless my rightful masters, the American people, shall withhold the requisite means, or, in some tangible way,36Jump to section direct the contrary. I trust this will not be regarded as a menace, but only as the declared purpose
of the Union that it will37Jump to section have its own, and defend itself.38Jump to section
In doing this there needs to be no bloodshed or violence; and there shall be none, unless39Jump to section forced upon the national authority. All40Jump to section the power at my disposal will be used to reclaim41Jump to section the public property and places which have fallen; to hold, occupy and possess these,42Jump to section and all other property and places belonging to the government, and to collect the duties on imports;43Jump to section but beyond what may be necessary for these,44Jump to section there will be no invasion of any State.45Jump to section
The mails, unless refused, will continue to be furnished in all parts of the Union. So far as possible, the people everywhere shall have that sense of perfect security which is most favorable to calm thought and reflection.46Jump to section
That there are persons47Jump to section who seek to destroy the Union at all events, and are glad of any pretext to do it, I will neither affirm or deny; but if there be such, I need address no word to them.48Jump to section To those, however, who really love the Union, may I not speak?
Before entering upon so grave a matter as the destruction of our national Union,49Jump to section would it not be wise to ascertain precisely why we do it? Will you hazard so desperate a step, while there is any possibility that any portion of the ills you fly from have no real existence? Will you while the certain ills you fly to, are greater than all the real ones you fly from? Will you risk the commission of so fearful a mistake?
All profess to be content in the Union, if all constitutional rights can be maintained. Is it true, then, that any50Jump to section right, plainly written in the Constitution, has been denied? I think not. Happily the human mind is so constructed, that no party can reach to the audacity of doing this. Think, if you can, of a single instance in which a plainly written provision of the Constitution has ever been denied. If, by the mere force of numbers, a majority should deprive a minority of any clearly written constitutional right, it might, in a moral point of view, justify revolution---certainly would, if such right were a vital one;51Jump to section---but such is not our case. All the vital rights of minorities, and of individuals, are so plainly assured to them, by affirmations and negations52Jump to section in the Constitution, that controversies never arise concerning them. But no organic law can ever be framed with a provision specifically applicable to every53Jump to section question which may occur in practical administration.
No foresight can anticipate, nor any document of reasonable length contain express provisions for all possible questions. Shall fugitives from labor be surrendered by national or by State authority? The Constitution does not expressly say. May Congress prohibit slavery in the territories? The Constitution does not expressly say. Must Congress protect slavery in the territories? The Constitution does not expressly say.
From questions of this class spring all our constitutional controversies, and we divide upon them into majorities and minorities. If the minority will not submit,54Jump to section the majority must, or the government must cease. There is no other alternative; for continuing the government, is submission55Jump to section on one side or the other. If a minority, in such case, will secede rather than submit,56Jump to section they make a precedent which, in turn, will divide and ruin them; for a minority of their own number57Jump to section will secede from them whenever a majority refuses to be controlled by such minority.58Jump to section For instance, why may not South Carolina,59Jump to section a year or two hence, arbitrarily, secede from60Jump to section a new Southern Confederacy, just as she61Jump to section now claims to secede from the present Union? Her people, and, indeed, all secession people,62Jump to section are now being educated to the precise temper of doing this. Is there such perfect identity of interests among the States to compose a Southern Union, as to produce harmony only, and prevent renewed secession? Will63Jump to section South Carolina be found lacking in either the restlessness or the ingenuity to pick a quarrel with Kentucky?
Plainly, the central idea of secession, is the essence of anarchy.64Jump to section A constitutional65Jump to section majority is the only true sovereign of a free
people. Whoever rejects it, does, of necessity, fly to anarchy or to despotism. Unanimity is impossible; the rule of a minority, as a permanent arrangement, is wholly inadmissable; so that, rejecting the majority principle, anarchy or despotism66Jump to section is all that is left.67Jump to section
Some, if not all of the States which claim to have withdrawn from the Union, have declared the supposed grievances which impelled them to the separation. Most prominent among these is the charge, in substance, that the Republican party have avowed the purpose to destroy the property of the Southern people. With all due deference and respect, allow me to declare that the Republican party have made no such avowal. The Republican party of the nation have spoken but twice; and in both instances they expressly avowed what necessarily implies the exact contrary---in 1860, as
already quoted in this discourse; and, in 1856, in their National Convention at Philadelphia, as I now read:
``Resolved, That the maintenance of the principles promulgated in the Declaration of Independence, and embodied in the Federal Constitution, is essential to the preservation of Republican institutions, and that the Federal Constitution, the rights of the States, and the Union of the States, shall be preserved.''
In addition to this, I aver that, to my knowledge, no sub-division, or individual, of the Republican party has ever avowed, or entertained, a purpose to destroy or to interfere with the property of the Southern people. For myself, I can declare, with perfect certainty, that I have never avowed, or entertained any such purpose; and I have never used any expression intended to convey such a meaning.68Jump to section
The69Jump to section Republican party, as I understand, have avowed the purpose to prevent, if they can, the extension of slavery, under the national auspices; and upon this arises the only70Jump to section dispute between the sections.
One section71Jump to section believes slavery is right, and ought to be extended, while the other believes it is wrong, and ought not to be extended. This is the only substantial dispute. The fugitive slave clause of the Constitution, and the law for the suppression of the foreign slave trade, are each as well enforced,72Jump to section as any law can ever be in a community where the moral sense of the people is against73Jump to section the law itself. The great body of the people abide by the dry legal obligation in both cases, and a few break over in each. This, I think, cannot be perfectly cured; and it would be worse in both cases after the separation of the sections, than before. The foreign slave trade, now imperfectly suppressed, would be74Jump to section revived without
restriction, in one section; while fugitive slaves, now only partially surrendered, would not be surrendered at all, by the other.
Physically speaking, we cannot separate. We cannot remove our respective sections from each other, nor build an impassable wall between them. A husband and wife may be divorced, and go out of the presence, and beyond the reach of each other; but the different parts of our country cannot do this. They cannot but remain face to face; and intercourse, either amicable or hostile, must continue between them. Is it possible75Jump to section to make that intercourse more advantageous or76Jump to section satisfactory, after separation than before? Can aliens make treaties easier than friends can make laws? Can treaties be more faithfully enforced between aliens than laws can among friends? Suppose you go to war, you cannot fight always; and when, after much loss on both sides, and no gain on either, you cease fighting, the identical old questions, as to terms of intercourse, are again upon you.
During77Jump to section the winter just closed, I have been greatly urged, by many patriotic men, to lend the influence of my position to some compromise, by which I was, to some extent, to shift the ground upon which I had been elected. This I steadily refused. I so refused, not from any party wantonness, nor from any indifference to the troubles of the country. I thought such refusal was demanded by the view that if, when a Chief Magistrate is constitutionally elected, he cannot be inaugurated till he betrays those who elected him, by breaking his pledges, and surrendering to those who tried and failed to defeat him at the polls, this government and all popular government is already at an end. Demands for such surrender, once recognized, are without limit, as to nature, extent and repetition. They break the only bond of faith between public and public servant; and they distinctly set the minority over the majority.
I presume there is not a man in America, (and there ought not to be one) who opposed my election, who would, for a moment, tolerate his own candidate in such surrender, had he been successful in the election. In such case they would all see, that such surrender would not be merely the ruin of a man, or a party; but, as a precedent, would be the ruin of the government itself.
I do not deny the possibility that the people may err in an election; but if they do, the true cure is in the next election; and not in the treachery of the party elected.
Why78Jump to section should there not be a patient confidence in the ultimate justice of the people? Is there any better or equal hope, in the world? In our present differences, is either party without faith79Jump to section in the right? If the Almighty Ruler of nations, with his eternal truth and justice, be80Jump to section on our81Jump to section side, or on yours, that truth and that justice will surely prevail, by the judgment of this great tribunal, the American people.
By the frame of the government under which we live, this same people have widely given their public servants but little power for mischief; and have, with equal wisdom, provided for the return of that little to their own hands at very short intervals.
While82Jump to section the people remain patient, and true to themselves, no man, even in the presidential chair, by any extreme of wickedness or folly, can83Jump to section very seriously injure the government in the short space of four years.
This84Jump to section country, with its institutions, belongs to the people who inhabit it. Whenever they shall grow weary of the existing government, they can exercise their constitutional right of amending it, or their revolutionary right to dismember or overthrow it. As85Jump to section I am not much impressed with the belief that the present Constitution can be improved, I make no recommendations of amendments. I am, rather, for the old ship, and the chart of the old pilots. If, however, the people desire a new, or86Jump to section an altered vessel, the matter is exclusively their own, and they can move in the premises, as well without as with an executive recommendation.87Jump to section I shall place no obstacle in the way of what may appear to be their wishes.
The Chief Magistrate derives all his authority from the people, and they have conferred none upon him to fix terms for the separation
of the States. The people themselves can do this88Jump to section if they choose; but the executive, as such, has nothing to do with it. His duty is to administer the present government, as it came to his hands, and to transmit it,89Jump to section unimpaired by him, to his successor.
My countrymen, one and all, take time90Jump to section and think well, upon this whole subject. Nothing91Jump to section valuable can be lost by taking time. Nothing92Jump to section worth preserving is either breaking or burning. If there be an object to hurry any of you, in hot haste, to a point where93Jump to section you would never go94Jump to section deliberately, that object will be frustrated by taking time; but no good object can be frustrated by it. Such of you as are now dissatisfied, still have the old Constitution unimpaired, and, on the sensitive point, the laws of your own framing under it; while the new administration will have no immediate power, if it would, to change either. If it were admitted that you who are dissatisfied, hold the right side in the dispute, there still is no single good reason for precipitate action. Intelligence, patriotism, Christianity, and a firm reliance on Him, who has never yet forsaken this favored land, are still competent to adjust, in the best way, all our present difficulty.
In your hands, my dissatisfied fellow countrymen, and not in mine, is the momentous issue of civil war. The government will not assail you, unless95Jump to section you first assail it. You can have no conflict, without being yourselves the aggressors. You have no oath registered in Heaven to destroy the government, while I shall have the most solemn one to ``preserve, protect, and defend'' it. You can forbear the assault upon it;96Jump to section I can not shrink from the defense of it.97Jump to section With you, and not with me, is the solemn question of98Jump to section ``Shall it be peace, or a sword?''99Jump to section
[1] Documents, DLC-RTL. The original manuscript was composed during January, 1861, but, with the exception noted below (note 2) is presumably not extant. It was set in type at the office of the Illinois State Journal and printed in eight numbered pages. How many copies were struck off is not known, but there are two extant copies in the Lincoln Papers, both labeled ``First Edition'' by Lincoln. One of these copies, which bears no corrections, is herein reproduced. The revisions in Lincoln's hand on the second copy, as well as subsequent revisions, by Lincoln, Seward, and Browning, are indicated by means of footnotes. For the final text, see First Inaugural Address---Final Text, infra.
Lincoln must have made further revisions in proof sheets of the First Edition before the printing of the Second Edition, for the Second Edition omits some paragraphs and shows verbal changes from his corrected First Edition. No source of these corrections has been found.
There are five extant copies of the Second Edition: one copy (in the Lincoln Papers) bears further corrections in Lincoln's handwriting, some of which, at least, were adopted after Lincoln had studied Seward's suggestions for revision in late February; a second copy (in the Henry E. Huntington Library) which was given to Orville H. Browning bears his single suggestion for revision; a third copy (in the Lincoln Papers) with lines numbered by Seward is accompanied by six pages (including a verso) of Seward's manuscript suggestions for revision keyed to the line numbering (footnotes herein show Seward's suggestions relegated to their appropriate places in text); a fourth copy (in the Lincoln Papers) bears Nicolay's transcription of Seward's suggestions; and a fifth copy was cut up into clippings which were used in the preparation of the final text (infra).
In addition to the clippings from the fifth copy of the second edition, the final text (infra) includes passages inserted in Lincoln's handwriting, incorporating but not closely following the preceding revisions and suggestions; many passages were completely rewritten. Two other copies of this final text were made up. One (in the Harvard Library) with Lincoln's rewritten portions copied in Nicolay's hand, was prepared by Nicolay for the press; the other (owned by Crosby N. Boyd of Washington, D.C.) was prepared by an unidentified hand specifically for the Washington Star as the earliest paper to go to press after the inaugural ceremonies.
Footnotes 3-99 indicate the revisions which were made or suggested up to the draft of the final text. Sources of revisions are indicated as follows: (L-1ST) indicates Lincoln's revision of the First Edition, and (L-2ND) his revision of the second edition; (S-2ND) indicates Seward's suggestions for revision of the second edition; and (B-2ND) indicates Browning's one suggestion.
[2] The autograph manuscript of what appears to be an earlier draft of this paragraph is as follows: ``In compliance with a custom as old as the government, I appear before you to address you briefly, and, in your presence, to take the oath prescribed by the Constitution and laws to be taken by whomever [``enters upon'' deleted] assumes to perform the [``discharge'' deleted] duties of our national chief magistrate.'' (DLC-RTL).
[3] (S-2ND) ``Omit the inverted commas.''
[4] (S-2ND) ``Instead of [`]electing['] write `nominating.' ''
[5] (S-2ND) ``Instead of [`]platform['] write `summary.' ''
[6] (L-1ST) ``Repeating'' deleted, ``re-stating'' inserted.
[7] (L-1ST) ``Inaugural'' deleted, ``of this character'' inserted following ``address.''
[8] (S-2ND) ``Strike out all between `Upon' and `position' both included.''
[9] (S-2ND) ``After the word `that' strike out `in his judgment the platform which he thus accepts['] and insert [`]the summary binds the officer elected.[']''
[10] (S-2ND) ``Strike out all these lines [paragraph beginning with ``Having''] and write `With this explanation I deem it my duty as I am disposed in feeling to follow so far as they apply to the Executive sphere the principles on which I was brought before the American People.' ''
[11] (L-2ND) Paragraphs two and three are marked for deletion.
[12] (L-2ND) ``Say more than I have, in relation to'' deleted, ``discuss'' inserted.
[13] (S-2ND) ``After the words `cheerfully given' insert `in every case and under all circumstances.' ''
(L-2ND) ``When lawfully demanded, for whatever cause'' inserted.
[14] (L-1ST) ``All begin'' deleted, ``make the effort'' inserted.
[15] (L-1ST) ``Something like'' deleted.
[16] (L-1ST) ``Through'' deleted, ``by means of'' inserted.
[17] (L-1ST) ``Human and'' deleted, ``and humane'' inserted after ``civilized.''
[18] (L-2ND) ``Think proper'' deleted, ``choose'' inserted.
[20] (L-1ST) ``The'' deleted, ``that'' inserted.
[21] (L-1ST) ``Between then and now'' deleted.
[22] (S-2ND) ``Strike out `on the whole' and write `generally.' ''
(L-2ND) Substitution adopted.
[23] (S-2ND) ``After the word `Union' strike out the rest of the sentence, and insert, `heretofore only menaced is now formidably attempted.' ''
[24] (L-1ST) ``Not'' inserted.
[25] (L-1ST) ``No'' deleted, ``any'' inserted.
[26] (L-1ST) ``Lawfully'' inserted.
[27] (L-2ND) ``And pledged'' deleted, ``plighted, and engaged,'' inserted.
[28] (L-2ND) ``Which contradicts the'' deleted [deletion of ``the'' was obviously unintentional], ``and therefore is absurd'' deleted, ``having lost the vital element of perpetuity'' inserted.
[29] (S-2ND) ``Strike out the whole line [i.e., ``therefore is absurd.''].''
[30] (S-2ND) ``For `nothing' write `void.' '' (L-2ND) Substitution adopted.
[31] (L-1ST) ``Against the [deletion] authority, of the United States'' inserted.
[33] (S-2ND) ``After the word `that' write [`]in the view of the constitution and the laws.[']'' (L-2ND) Insertion adopted.
[34] (S-2ND) ``After the word [`]care['] insert `as the constitution itself expressly enjoins upon me.[']'' (L-2ND) Insertion adopted.
[35] (L-1ST) ``So far as practicable'' inserted.
[36] (S-2ND) ``Instead of `tangible way' write `authoritative manner.[']''
(L-2ND) Substitution adopted.
[37] (L-1ST) ``Will'' and ``defend'' underlined.
[38] (S-2ND) ``Instead of `will have its own, and defend itself' write [`]will constitutionally defend and maintain itself.' ''
[39] (L-1ST) ``It be'' inserted.
[40] (S-2ND) ``Strike out the whole [sentence] and insert, `The power confided to me shall be used indeed with efficacy but also with discretion in every case and exigency according to the circumstances actually existing and with a view and a hope of a peaceful solution of the national troubles and the restoration of fraternal sympathies and affections.[']''
[41] (B-2ND) Orville H. Browning suggested revision of this sentence to omit ``to reclaim the public property and places which have fallen'' and to continue `` . . . to hold, occupy and possess the property and places belonging to the government. . . . '' (L-2ND) Deletion adopted.
Browning to Lincoln February 17, 1861, explained that ``On principle the passage is right as it now stands. The fallen places ought to be reclaimed. But cannot that be accomplished as well, or even better without announcing the purpose in your inaugural?'' (DLC-RTL). On the back of Browning's letter Lincoln wrote the following sentence, probably as a tentative insertion to be made in the Address: ``Americans, all, we are not enemies, but friends. We have sacred ties of affection which, though strained by passion, let us hope can never be broken.'' (DLC-RTL). Part of this phrasing went into Lincoln's concluding paragraph added to the final copy following Seward's suggestion. See note 99 and compare Lincoln's last paragraph in the final text infra.
[42] (L-2ND) ``These'' changed to ``the,'' and all other'' deleted.
[43] (L-1ST) ``Imports'' deleted, ``imposts'' inserted.
[44] (L-1ST) ``Objects'' inserted.
[45] (L-2ND) ``State'' deleted, ``part of the country---no using of force against, or among the people'' inserted.
(L-1ST) Passages inserted as follows: ``Where hostility to the government [United States], in any interior locality shall be so great and so universal, as to forbid [prevent] competent citizens of their own, to hold, and exercise [resident citizens from holding] the federal offices, there will be no attempt to force obnoxious strangers among them [the people] for that object. While the strict, legal right, may exist in the government to enforce the exercise of the [these] offices under such circumstances, [``under . . . circumstances'' deleted] the attempt [to do so] would be so irritating, and so nearly impracticable, with all, that I deem it better to forego, for the time, the uses of such offices.'' Bracketed variants represent further changes which appear in the second edition as finally struck off.
(S-2ND) ``Strike out the whole sentence [i.e., Lincoln's insertion actually including two sentences] and insert `There are in this government as in every other emergencies when the exercise of power lawful in itself is less certain to secure the just ends of administration, than a temporary forbearance from it with reliance on the voluntary though delayed acquiescence of the people in the laws which have been made by themselves and for their own benefit. I shall not lose sight of this obvious maxim.' '' Suggestion not adopted.
[46] (L-1ST) ``This course will be pursued, unless current experience shall show a modification, or change to be proper'' inserted.
[47] (S-2ND) ``After the word [`]persons['] insert `in one section as well as in the other.' '' (L-2ND) ``Either North or South'' inserted.
[48] (S-2ND) ``After the word `them' insert `because I am sure they must be few in number and of little influence when their pernicious principles are fully understood.[']''
[49] (L-1ST) ``Union'' deleted, ``fabric'' inserted.
(L-2ND) ``Union'' deleted, and ``fabric, with all its benefits, it's memories, and it's hopes,'' inserted.
[50] (S-2ND) ``After the word `any' write `distinct.' ''
[51] (L-1ST) Punctuation changed to period and ``but'' capitalized.
[52] (S-2ND) ``After the word `negations' write [`]guarantees and prohibitions.[']'' (L-2ND) Insertion adopted.
[55] (S-2ND) ``Strike out `submission' & insert `acquiescence.' ''
(L-2ND) Substitution adopted.
[57] (L-2ND) ``Number'' deleted.
[58] (L-2ND) ``Such minority'' deleted, ``them'' inserted.
[59] (S-2ND) ``For `South Carolina' write `Alabama or Florida.' ''
(L-2ND) ``South Carolina'' deleted, ``any portion of a new confederacy'' inserted.
[60] (L-2ND) ``From a new Southern Confederacy'' deleted, ``again'' inserted.
[61] (L-2ND) ``She now claims'' changed to ``the larger number now claim.''
[62] (S-2ND) ``For [`]People['] write `communities.' ''
(L-2ND) ``Her people, and, indeed, all secession people,'' deleted, ``All who cherish secession ideas'' inserted.
[63] (L-1ST) This sentence deleted.
[64] (S-2ND) ``After the word `anarchy' strike out the next sentence and write [`]A majority held in restraint by constitutional checks and limitations and always changing easily with deliberate changes of popular opinions and sentiments is &c.[']''
(L-2ND) ``---of disintegration'' inserted following ``anarchy.''
[65] (L-2ND) ``Constitutional'' changed to ``constitutionally expressed.''
[66] (L-1ST) ``In some form'' inserted.
[67] (L-1ST) The following paragraph is inserted at this point (variants enclosed in brackets are from the second edition as printed, and superior italic letters are the key to further revisions which immediately follow the text): ``I do not forget the position assumed by some, that constitutional questions are to be decided by the Supreme Court; nor do I question [deny] that such decisions must be binding and conclusive [``and conclusive'' deleted, ``in any case,'' inserted] upon the parties to a suit as to the subject [object] of that [the]a suit.b And, while it is obviously possible, that such decision may be erroneous in any given case, still the evil effect following it, being limited to the [that] particular case, with the chances [chance] that it may be over-ruled, and never become a precedent for other cases, can better be borne, than could the greater evils of a different rule.c Butd if the whole [``whole'' deleted] policy of the government upon vital questions, extending to [affecting] the whole people, is to be irrevocably fixed by decisions of the Supreme court,e it is plain that the people will have ceased to be their own rulers, havingf turned their government over to the despotismg of the few men [life-officers] composing the court. Nor is there, in this view, any assault upon the court, or the judges. It is a duty from which they may not shrink, to decide cases, when [``when'' deleted] properly brought before them; and, it is no fault of theirs, if others seek to turn their decisions to political purposes.'' a (L-2ND) ``The'' deleted, ``that'' inserted. b (S-2ND) ``After the words `the suit,' [i.e., at the end of the first sentence of Lincoln's insertion] insert [`]while they are entitled to very high respect and consideration in all parallel cases by all other departments of the government.[']'' c (S-2ND) ``Strike out `rule' [i.e., at end of second sentence in Lincoln's insertion] and insert `practice.' '' (L-2ND) ``Rule'' deleted, ``practice'' inserted. d (S-2ND) ``Strike out `But' [i.e., first word in third sentence of Lincoln's insertion] and insert [`]At the same time the candid citizen must confess that.[']'' e (S-2ND) ``After the word [`]Court,['] [i.e., in the third sentence of Lincoln's insertion] strike out the words `it is plain that' and insert `made in the ordinary course of litigation between parties in personal actions.' '' f (S-2ND) ``After the word [`]having['] [i.e., in the third sentence of Lincoln's insertion] strike out the rest of the sentence and write [`]practically resigned their government into the hands of that eminent tribunal.' '' (L-2ND) ``Pro tanto'' inserted after ``having.'' g (L-2ND) ``Despotism'' deleted, ``arbitrary control'' inserted.
[68] (L-1ST) The following passage is inserted at this point: ``The supposed purpose, then, of one section to destroy the property of the other, has no real existence; and to break up the government for that imaginary cause, would be a most melancholy mistake.'' At some point after his revision of the first edition, and before the printing of his second edition, Lincoln decided to omit this paragraph, as well as the preceding quotation from the Republican resolution of 1856, and the sentence which introduced it. Neither they nor Lincoln's further insertion appear in the second edition.
[69] (S-2ND) ``Strike out the whole paragraph.''
[70] (L-2ND) ``Material'' inserted.
[71] (S-2ND) ``After the word `section' insert [`]of our country.[']''
[73] (S-2ND) ``Strike out the words `is against' and insert `imperfectly supports.[']''
[75] (L-2ND) ``Then,'' inserted.
[76] (L-2ND) ``More'' inserted.
[77] (L-1ST) The next three paragraphs have been deleted by clipping them out of the revised first edition.
[78] (L-1ST) The next three paragraphs have been clipped and inserted two paragraphs later.
[79] (L-2ND) ``Of being'' inserted.
[80] (S-2ND) ``Strike out the words `be on our side or on yours' and insert `be on the side of the North, or of the South, of the East or of the West.' ''
[81] (L-2ND) ``Our'' deleted, ``your'' inserted; probably this is an error.
[82] (S-2ND) ``Strike out all the words to and including `chair' and insert `While the people retain their virtue and vigilance no legislature and no administration can.[']''
[83] (S-2ND) ``Strike out `can.' ''
[84] (L-1ST) The next two paragraphs have been clipped and moved up three paragraphs to follow the sentence ending ``are again upon you.''
[85] (S-2ND) ``Strike out the whole sentence and insert `While so great a diversity of opinion exists on the question what amendments, if, indeed any would be effective in restoring peace and safety, it would only tend to aggravate the dispute if I were to attempt to give direction to the public mind in that respect.[']''
[86] (L-2ND) ``A new or'' deleted.
[87] (L-2ND) ``The constitution itself prescribes two distinct modes, either of which they can pursue'' inserted.
[88] (L-2ND) ``Too'' inserted.
[89] (S-2ND) ``After the words `transmit it' insert `if possible.' ''
[90] (S-2ND) ``Strike out the words `take time' and insert `think calmly.' ''
[91] (S-2ND) ``Strike out all from `Nothing valuable['] to [`]burning['] both inclusive.
[92] (L-2ND) This sentence deleted.
[93] (L-1ST) ``Point where'' deleted, ``step which'' inserted.
[94] (L-1ST) ``Go'' deleted, ``take'' inserted.
[95] (S-2ND) ``Strike out the words `unless you first assail it.[']''
[96] (L-1ST) ``Upon it'' deleted.
[98] (L-2ND) ``Of'' deleted.
[99] (S-2ND) On the back of the fourth page of Seward's list of suggestions appears the following suggestion for a closing paragraph: ``I close. We are not we must not be aliens or enemies but [``countrym'' deleted] fellow countrymen and brethren. Although passion has strained our bonds of affection too hardly they must not [``be broken they will not'' deleted], I am sure they will not be broken. The mystic chords which proceeding from [``every ba'' deleted] so many battle fields and [``patriot'' deleted] so many patriot graves [``bind'' deleted] pass
through all the hearts and [``hearths'' deleted] all the hearths in this broad continent of ours will yet [``harmon'' deleted] again harmonize in their ancient music when [``touched as they surely'' deleted] breathed upon [``again'' deleted] by the [``better angel'' deleted] guardian angel of the nation.''
In addition to this suggestion, a manuscript page in the handwriting of Frederick W. Seward, who was his father's secretary, headed ``Suggestions for a closing paragraph,'' reads as follows:
``However unusual it may be at such a time to speak of sections or to sections, yet in view of the misconception & agitations which have strained the ties of brotherhood so far, I hope it will not be deemed a departure from propriety, whatever it may be from custom, to say that if in the criminations and misconstructions which too often imbue our political contests, any man south of this capital has been led to believe that I regard with a less friendly eye, his rights, his interests or his domestic safety and happiness, or those of his State, than I do those of any other portion of my country or that I would invade or disturb any legal right or domestic institution in the South, he mistakes both my principles and feelings, and does not know me. I aspire to come in the spirit, however far below the ability and the wisdom, of Washington, of Madison, of Jackson and of Clay. In that spirit I here declare that in my administration I shall know no rule but the Constitution, no guide but the laws, and no sentiment but that of equal devotion to my whole country, east, west, north and south.''