“It may be affirmed without extravagance that the free institutions we enjoy have developed the powers and improved the condition of our whole people, beyond any example in the world. Of this we now have a striking, and an impressive illustration.”
First Message to Congress, July 4, 1861
- Please refer to The Look to Lincoln Disclaimer.
- Link to All Lincoln Guideposts (without readers’ comments).
- Link to Index of Lincoln Guideposts (listing by topic).
Read and make comments below…