I therefore consider that in view of the Constitutution and the laws the Union is unbroken, and to the extent of my ability I shall take care, as the Constitution itself expressly injoins upon me, that hte laws of the Union be faithfully executed in all the states. . .

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; but, beyond what my be necessary for these , there will be no invasion, no using of force against or among the people anywhere. . . The mails, unless repelled, will continue to be furnished in all parts of hte Union.

Lincoln discusses the inadequacy of the Consitution to solve the great question of the day, slavery and whether or not it shall be extended into the western territories. Lincoln did, however, stand the principle of union:

Plainly the central idas of secession is the essence of anarchy. . . Physcially speaking, we cannot seprate.

I understand a proposed amendment to the Constitution [is under consideration] to the effect that the federal government whall never interfere with the domestic institutions of the states. . . I have no objection to its being made express and irrevocable.

The Chief Magistrate derives all his authority from teh people, and they have conferred none upon him to fix terms for the separation of the states.

In your hands, my dissatisfied fellow-countrymen, and not in mine, is the momentrous issue of civil war. The government will not assail you. You can have no conflict without being yourselves the aggressors. . . . Thoug passion may have strained, it must not break our bound of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart . . . will yet swell of the Union, when again touched . . . by the better angles of our nature.