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66. Wrong as we think slavery is, we can yet afford to let it alone where it is, because that much is due to the necessity arising from its actual presence in the nation; but can we, while our votes will prevent it, allow it to spread into the national Territories, and to overrun us here in these free States? If our sense of duty forbids this, then let us stand by our duty fearlessly and effectively. Let us be diverted by none of those sophistical contrivances wherewith we are so industriously plied and belabored contrivances such as groping for some middle ground between the right and the wrong, vain as the search for a man who should be neither a living man nor a dead man; such as a policy of "don't care" on a question about which all true men do care; such as Union appeals beseeching true Union men to yield to Disunionists, reversing the divine rule, and calling, not the sinners, but the righteous to repentance; such as invocations to Washington, imploring men to unsay what Washington said and undo what Washington did.

67. Neither let us be slandered from our duty by false accusations against us, nor frightened from it by menaces of destruction to the government, nor of dungeons to ourselves. Let us have faith that right makes might, and in that faith let us to the end dare to do our duty as we understand it.

FAREWELL ADDRESS

Springfield, Illinois, February 11, 1861

The result of the presidential election of 1860 was as follows: 1,866,452 votes for Lincoln; 1,376,957 for Douglas; 849,781 for Breckinridge; 588,879 for Bell. Every free State except New Jersey went for Lincoln, but Breckinridge led in all the slave-holding States except Missouri, where Douglas won by a few hundred, and Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky, where Bell led. On December 20, 1860, South Carolina seceded from the Union; during the following month of January the States of Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas followed her; and on February 8, 1861, the Constitution of the Confederacy was adopted. Meanwhile Lincoln steadily refused to go to Washington, merely giving to his party the command to reject the Crittenden Compromise.

He had come to Springfield an obscure country lawyer, and he loved the town with pathetic devotion; his last request to his partner was that the name Lincoln might not be removed from the office sign, - for some day he would come back home.

My Friends, No one not in my situation can appreciate my feeling of sadness at this parting. To this place, and the kindness of these people, I owe everything. Here I have lived a quarter of a century, and have passed from a young to an old man. Here my children have been born, and one is buried. I now leave, not knowing when or whether ever I may return, with a task before me greater than that which rested upon Washington. Without the assistance of that Divine Being who ever attended him I cannot succeed. With that assistance I cannot fail. Trusting in Him, who can go with me and remain with you, and be everywhere for good, let us confidently hope that all will

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yet be well. To His care commending you, as I hope in your prayers you will commend me, I bid you an affectionate farewell.

POLICIES OF GOVERNMENT

From Addresses Delivered While on His Way to the White House

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REPLY TO ADDRESS OF WELCOME

Indianapolis, Indiana, February 11, 1861

THE people when they rise in mass in behalf of the Union and the liberties of their country. truly may it be said, "The gates of hell cannot prevail against them." In all trying positions in which I shall be placed and, doubtless, I shall be placed in many such my reliance will be placed upon you and the people of the United States; and I wish you to remember, now and forever, that it is your business, and not mine; that if the union of these States and the liberties of this people shall be lost, it is but little to any one man of fifty-two years of age, but a great deal to the thirty millions of people who inhabit these United States, and to their posterity in all coming time. It is your business to rise up and preserve the Union and liberty for yourselves, and not for me.

I desire they should be constitutionally performed. I, as already intimated, am but an accidental instrument, temporary, and to serve for a limited time; and I appeal to you again to constantly bear in mind that with you, and not with politicians, not with Presidents,

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