Speeches of Abraham Lincoln 1861 - Address To The Assembly Of New Jersey
by Abraham Lincoln
FEBRUARY 21, 1861
MR. SPEAKER AND GENTLEMEN: I have just enjoyed the honor of a reception
by the other branch of this Legislature, and I return to you and them my
thanks for the reception which the people of New Jersey have given
through their chosen representatives to me as the representative, for the
time being, of the majesty of the people of the United States. I
appropriate to myself very little of the demonstrations of respect with
which I have been greeted. I think little should be given to any man, but
that it should be a manifestation of adherence to the Union and the
Constitution. I understand myself to be received here by the
representatives of the people of New Jersey, a majority of whom differ in
opinion from those with whom I have acted. This manifestation is
therefore to be regarded by me as expressing their devotion to the Union,
the Constitution, and the liberties of the people.
You, Mr. Speaker, have well said that this is a time when the bravest and
wisest look with doubt and awe upon the aspect presented by our national
affairs. Under these circumstances you will readily see why I should not
speak in detail of the course I shall deem it best to pursue. It is
proper that I should avail myself of all the information and all the time
at my command, in order that when the time arrives in which I must speak
officially, I shall be able to take the ground which I deem best and
safest, and from which I may have no occasion to swerve. I shall endeavor
to take the ground I deem most just to the North, the East, the West, the
South, and the whole country. I shall take it, I hope, in good temper,
certainly with no malice toward, any section. I shall do all that may be
in my power to promote a peaceful settlement of all our difficulties. The
man does not live who is more devoted to peace than I am, none who would
do more to preserve it, but it may be necessary to put the foot down
firmly. And if I do my duty and do right, you will sustain me, will you
not? [Loud cheers, and cries of "Yes, yes; we will."] Received as I am by
the members of a Legislature the majority of whom do not agree with me in
political sentiments, I trust that I may have their assistance in
piloting the ship of state through this voyage, surrounded by perils as
it is; for if it should suffer wreck now, there will be no pilot ever
needed for another voyage.
Gentlemen, I have already spoken longer than I intended, and must beg
leave to stop here.