November 6, 1860
Fellow countrymen,
I am here today as your new President of the United States. I would like to begin by acknowledging the Vice President, Hannibal Hamlin. I will also like to acknowledge my opponents Douglas, John Bell, and John C. Breckinridge.
I received the majority of my votes from the North and received a substantial amount of opposition throughout the South. Though I receive some opposition, I will do whatever means necessary to preserve the Union. I stand here today to establish my position on these issues once again. I am not an abolitionist but I indeed am against slavery. I realize the position I am in, and I recognize the existing tensions between North and South. Regardless of threats I will not acknowledge nor accept the succession of any state. As President, it is my duty to preserve the Union, and hear me country men: I will honor that duty to the fullest! We the People will not divide! We the People of the United States of America will stand together!
Monday, March 4, 1861
Fellow Citizens of the United States,…It has been seventy-two years since the first inauguration of a President under our National Constitution.… Though some believe slavery is right and should be expanded others believe it is wrong and should not be expanded…We cannot separate, though, I will not interfere where slavery already exists. …We are not enemies. We are friends. Think very carefully on what is happening to the Union. Matters of civil war are at hand. I refuse to be the aggressor but I will do what I can to preserve, protect, and defend the Union.
~Honest Abe
http://home.att.net/~rjnorton/Lincoln77.html
Abraham Lincoln’s 1st Inaugural Speech
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I congratulate you on your victory. I only hope you don't put it to waste.
ReplyDeleteThough I myself have never wielded such power, all I can provide is advice and hopes. In such a precarious situation, I hope that you will do nothing to instigate your opponents to take any drastic action. I advise you to tread each step lightly and make sure to keep the views of the South in particular esteem during each deliberation.
ReplyDeleteIt is good to hear news of such an excellent victory. I hope your terms in office go wonderful. Congratulations and welcome into office Mr.President!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the election! Surely equality follows quickly after you.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on attaining the Presidency. The country is now divided over the results of this election, and it would go a long way to smooth things over if you pay attention to the needs of ALL of the United States. However, neglect the south's call for state rights and succession will surely become a reality
ReplyDeleteThough it hurt me to hear that you had won the election, I am fully against you. I have friends and family for the Union and I must respect you. I say to you good luck and God help us all.
ReplyDeleteI have to say Abe, my hearing you had won the election was a shock to me. I have to disagree with how things turned out,but still I have to respect you. I have friends and family for the Union. I say to you good luck and God help us all.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Mr. Lincoln!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words on my help in your campaign.
I wish you the best of luck in your presidency.
If anyone can preserve the Union and quell the South, it is you.
Matthew Brady
Congratulations on your victory!
ReplyDeleteAlthough I do not regret giving you my vote, I still believe that you should have made slavery a larger issue in this election. Ending the atrocity is far more important than the political goal of maintaining the Union. With that said, I still have hope that you will address this controversy further during your term in office.
Congratulations President Lincoln,
ReplyDeletePay special heed to the South, and the best of luck to you and your administration.
Joshua Chamberlain