I do but quote from one of those speeches when I declare that "I have no purpose, directly or indirectly, to interfere with the institution of slavery in the States where it exists. I believe I have no lawful right to do so, and I have no inclination to do so." Those who nominated and elected me did so with full knowledge that I had made this, and many similar declarations, and had never recanted them.


First Inaugural Address (1861)

Abraham Lincoln Quotes

I do but quote from one of those speeches when I declare that I have no purpose, directly or indirectly, to interfere with the institution of slavery ...

I do but quote from one of those speeches when I declare that I have no purpose, directly or indirectly, to interfere with the institution of slavery ...

I do but quote from one of those speeches when I declare that I have no purpose, directly or indirectly, to interfere with the institution of slavery ...

I do but quote from one of those speeches when I declare that I have no purpose, directly or indirectly, to interfere with the institution of slavery ...