In reference to you, colored people, let me say God has made you free. Although you have been deprived of your God-given rights by your so-called masters, you are now as free as I am, and if those that claim to be your superiors do not know that you are free, take the sword and bayonet and teach them that you are; for God created all men free, giving to each the same rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.


In Richmond, Virginia (April 4, 1865), as quoted in Recollected Words of Abraham Lincoln (1996), by Don Edward Fehrenbacher and Virginia Fehrenbacher, editor, p. 257 - Tour of Richmond (1865)

Internet Archive Entering Richmond - Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln Quotes

In reference to you, colored people, let me say God has made you free. Although you have been deprived of your God-given rights by your so-called...

In reference to you, colored people, let me say God has made you free. Although you have been deprived of your God-given rights by your so-called...

In reference to you, colored people, let me say God has made you free. Although you have been deprived of your God-given rights by your so-called...

In reference to you, colored people, let me say God has made you free. Although you have been deprived of your God-given rights by your so-called...