He wanted to keep the Union together.
Lincoln's statement reflects his belief in upholding the laws and institutions of the states where slavery was already established. He intended to respect the existing legal framework and the rights of individual states to govern themselves without federal interference. This stance was part of his strategy to navigate the complex issue of slavery while focusing on preserving the Union.
In his inaugural address he declared that: ... "I have no intention to interfere, either directly or indirectly, in the institution of slavery in those states where it exists. I think I have no legal right to do, and I have no inclination to do so"...
Abraham Lincoln saw keeping the United States intact as his most important mission. He was personally against slavery, however, he recognized that under cases decided by the US Supreme Court, the institution of slavery was legal. He also recognized that slavery did not exist as a "Southern" creation. Since before the US was a nation, slavery existed. It was clear to him that slavery could have been abolished long ago. And, that the North was just as guilty as anyone else for the institution of slavery. Lincoln, as the US President, sought to assure the Southern slave States that he had no intention to interfere with slavery where it existed. He did this in his duty to protect the Constitutional rights of all "citizens". He understood that under the Constitution, slaves were not considered "citizens".
Abraham Lincoln saw keeping the United States intact as his most important mission. He was personally against slavery, however, he recognized that under cases decided by the US Supreme Court, the institution of slavery was legal. He also recognized that slavery did not exist as a "Southern" creation. Since before the US was a nation, slavery existed. It was clear to him that slavery could have been abolished long ago. And, that the North was just as guilty as anyone else for the institution of slavery. Lincoln, as the US President, sought to assure the Southern slave States that he had no intention to interfere with slavery where it existed. He did this in his duty to protect the Constitutional rights of all "citizens". He understood that under the Constitution, slaves were not considered "citizens".
If memory serves, Lincoln felt that he did not have the right to interfere in the slavery because it was a long standing 'tradition' for lack of a better word. He did not want to undermine the success of those who utilized slaves, though he did not believe in allowing slavery to spread further than the states it was already practiced in.
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kurtis lincoln
In his inaugural address, Lincoln promised not to interfere with the institution of slavery where it existed, and pledged to suspend the activities of the federal government temporarily in areas of hostility. However, he also took a firm stance against secession and the seizure of federal property.