...the institution in the states where it already existed. As he put it in his first inaugural address, "I have no purpose, directly or indirectly, to interfere...of slavery in the States where it exists. I believe that I have no lawful right to do so." Indeed, he reiterated his endorsement of the 1 860 Republican...

...Republican administration their property and their peace and personal security are to be endangered.... I declare that I have no purpose, directly or indirectly, to interfere with the institution of slavery where it exists. I believe I have no lawful right to do so, and I have no inclination to do so." But...

...considered a very radical speech. Even President Lincoln, whose inaugural was barely cold, had said, 'I have no purpose directly or indirectly to interfere with the institution of slavery as it exists.' Impossible as it may seem, Williams was hissed. At this parting of the ways, the light-hearted...

...extirpate slavery, nor had he ever talked about black equality — or at least black civil equality. "I have no purpose directly or indirectly to interfere with the institution of slavery in the States where it exists," and "I have no purpose to introduce political and social equality between...