LAD #12 , First Inaugural Address of Abraham Lincoln

First Inaugural Address of Abraham Lincoln
Monday, March 4, 1861
Fellow-Citizens of the United States,
As in accordance with the United States Government and the revered Constitution, I have appeared today to take the oath and address the nation, with consideration to calming the unreasonable apprehensions of the Southerner who feel as though their peace and personal security may be endangered. The rights of the States shall be respected and let it be known that I have no purpose, to interfere with the institution of slavery in the States where it exists. As to the controversial issue of the delivering up of fugitives from service or labor, the Constitution will forever be honored, particularly Section 10, stating “No person held to service or labor in one State, under the laws thereof, escaping into another, shall in consequence of any law or regulation therein be discharged from such service or labor, but shall be delivered up on claim of the party to whom such service or labor may be due.” In all aspects of government, it is held that in contemplation of universal law and of the Constitution the Union of these States is perpetual. The Union must be preserved as it has undergone several changes since the Declaration of Independence in 1776, including the Articles of Confederation in 1778, and finally in 1787, as it was proclaimed a “More Perfect Union.” The power confided to me will be used to hold, occupy, and possess the property and places belonging to the Government and to collect the duties and imposts; as violence or force shall only be exerted if necessary by national authority.
All profess to be content in the Union if all constitutional rights can be maintained. Coming back to the controversial issue if slavery and the separation of people’s opinion, the nation must not divorce each other, as both the North and the South offer essential aspects of our prideful nation. Intelligence, patriotism, Christianity, and a firm reliance on God will carry us through this time of uncertainty, as each one of us must remain friends and not enemies. difficulty. The future of this country and the possibility of civil war is entirely in the hands of each and every one of you.