LAD #15 Lincoln's First Inaugural

From the very beginning of Lincoln’s inaugural speech, he states that he has no intentions “to interfere with the institution of slavery in the States”. He means he respects the rights of the states to regulate slavery within their own borders. He strongly believes that it is the most important thing is to keep the union in one piece. Lincoln also promises the American citizens that their “property, peace, and security of no section are to be in any wise endangered by” his election and “the now incoming Administration”. Going back to his ultimate goal of preserving the union, Lincoln states that he “holds that in contemplation of universal law and of the Constitution the Union of these States is perpetual”. Lincoln also promises the citizens that the use of unnecessary violence and force will be prohibited. “In doing this there needs to be no bloodshed or violence, and there shall be none unless it is forced upon the national authority. 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 may be necessary for these objects, there will be no invasion, no using of force against or among the people anywhere.” Lincoln guarantees security and protection under his administration. In regards to the issue of slavery, Lincoln keeps his opinions neutral in his first inaugural speech. He simply claims that the American constitution neither allows nor prohibits it. He also warns the territories and states about secession saying “Plainly the central idea of secession is the essence of anarchy”. The very end of Lincoln’s speech tries to inspire American patriotism: “We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.”