he sooner the
national authority can be restored, the nearer the Union will
be--the Union as it was. If there be those who would not save the
Union unless they could at the same time save slavery, I do not
agree with them. If there be those who would not save the Union
unless they could at the same time destroy slavery, I do not agree
with them. _My paramount object is to save the Union, and not
either to save or destroy slavery._ If I could save the Union
without freeing any slave, I would do it. And if I could save it by
freeing all the slaves, I would do it. And if I could save it by
freeing some, and leaving others alone, I would do that.

What I do about slavery and the colored race, I do because I
believe it helps to save the Union; and what I forbear, I forbear
because I do not believe it would help to save the Union. I shall
do less whenever I believe what I am doing hurts the cause; and
shall do more whenever I believe doing more will help the cause. I
shall try to correct errors, when shown to be errors; and I shall
adopt new views, so fast as they shall appear to be true views.

I have here stated my purpose, according to my view of official
duty, and I intend no modification of my oft-expressed personal
wish that all men everywhere could be free.

Yours,
A. Lincoln.

Mr. Greeley being dissatisfied with Lincoln's explanation, and the
"Tribune" still teeming with complaints and criticisms of the
administration, Lincoln requested Mr. Greeley to come to Washington and
make known in person his complaints, to the end that they might be
obviated if possible. The editor of the "Tribune" came. Lincoln said:
"You complain of me. What have I done, or omitted to do, which has
provoked the hostility of the 'Tribune'?" The reply was, "You should
issue a proclamation abolishing slavery." Lincoln answered: "Suppose I
do that. There are now twenty thousand of our muskets on the shoulders
of Kentuckians, who are bravely fighting our battles. Every one of them
will be thrown down or carried over to the rebels." The reply was: "Let
them do it. The cause of the Union will be stronger if Kentucky should
secede with the rest than it is now." Lincoln answered, "Oh, I can't
think that."

It is evident that these solicitations and counsellings from outside
persons were unnecessary and idle. Lincoln's far-seeing and prac