"I repeat the declaration made a year..." - Quote by Abraham Lincoln
I repeat the declaration made a year ago, that 'while I remain in my present position I shall not attempt to retract or modify the emancipation proclamation, nor shall I return to slavery any person who is free by the terms of that proclamation, or by any of the Acts of Congress.' If the people should, by whatever mode or means, make it an Executive duty to re-enslave such persons, another, and not I, must be their instrument to perform it.
More by Abraham Lincoln
“If ever this free people, if this Government itself is ever utterly demoralized, it will come from this incessant human wriggle and struggle for office, which is but a way to live without work.”
“I don't like that man. I must get to know him better.”
“We know nothing of what will happen in future, but by the analogy of experience.”
More on Slavery
“Slavery is more mental than anything”
“Whoever has not two-thirds of his time to himself, is a slave.”
“We believe that the spreading out and perpetuity of the institution of slavery impairs the general welfare. We believe - nay, we know, that that is the only thing that has ever threatened the perpetuity of the Union itself.”
More on Freedom
“Freedom had been hunted round the globe; reason was considered as rebellion; and the slavery of fear had made men afraid to think. But such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks, and all it wants, is the liberty of appearing.”
“I thought how unpleasant it is to be locked out; and I thought how it is worse, perhaps, to be locked in.”
“You get into your teens, now they can't hold you back. You jump to the next number, or even a few ahead.”