I believe it is universally understood and acknowledged that all men will ever act correctly, unless they have a motive to do otherwise.Abraham Lincoln
Why was the amendment, expressly declaring the right of the people to exclude slavery, voted down? Plainly enough now, the adoption of it would have spoiled the niche for the Dred Scott decision.Abraham Lincoln
Either the opponents of slavery will arrest the further spread of it and place it where the public mind shall rest in the belief that it is in course of ultimate extinction, or its advocates will push it forward, till it shall become alike lawful in all the States - old as well as new - North as well as South.Abraham Lincoln
Among the friends of Union, there is great diversity of sentiment and of policy in regard to slavery and the African race among us.Abraham Lincoln
If a man had more than one life, I think a little hanging would not hurt this one; but after he is once dead, we cannot bring him back, no matter how sorry we may be; so the boy shall be pardoned.Abraham Lincoln
It has so happened in all ages of the world that some have labored, and others have, without labor, enjoyed a large proportion of the fruits.Abraham Lincoln
I have always hated slavery, I think, as much as any abolitionist. I have been an Old Line Whig. I have always hated it, but I have always been quiet about it until this new era of the introduction of the Nebraska Bill began.Abraham Lincoln
Don't interfere with anything in the Constitution. That must be maintained, for it is the only safeguard of our liberties.Abraham Lincoln
To give victory to the right, not bloody bullets, but peaceful ballots only, are necessary.Abraham Lincoln
