Wonderful quotes by Mr. Lincoln. I have to admit, however, my esteem toward him has depreciated. He was not anti-slavery and admitted as much when he said if he could save the union without freeing any slaves, he would do that. He waited until Jan 1, 1863 to even issue the Emancipation Proclamation, and then only to keep Europe out of the war. I think Mr. Lincoln would have served our nation better if he had just let the South secede. In so many ways they already have.