Abraham Lincoln Quote

Was it possible to lose the nation, and yet preserve the constitution? By general law life and limb must be protected; yet often a limb must be amputated to save a life; but a life is never wisely given to save a limb. I felt that measures, otherwise unconstitutional, might become lawful, by becoming indispensable to the preservation of the constitution, through the preservation of the nation. Right or wrong, I assumed this ground, and now avow it. I could not feel that, to the best of my ability, I had even tried to preserve the constitution, if, to save slavery, or any minor matter, I should permit the wreck of government, country, and Constitution all together.


"If Slavery Is Not Wrong, Nothing Is Wrong" (1864)


Was it possible to lose the nation, and yet preserve the constitution? By general law life and limb must be protected; yet often a limb must be...

Was it possible to lose the nation, and yet preserve the constitution? By general law life and limb must be protected; yet often a limb must be...

Was it possible to lose the nation, and yet preserve the constitution? By general law life and limb must be protected; yet often a limb must be...

Was it possible to lose the nation, and yet preserve the constitution? By general law life and limb must be protected; yet often a limb must be...