LAD #14: Lincoln's First Inaugural Address

In Lincoln's First Inaugural Address, he focuses on the issue of slavery (which was the main cause of the schism between the North and Southern states).  Lincoln begins by refusing to choose a side on the issue -- he made it clear that his only goal was preserve the unity of the States as a unified nation.  Furthermore, he exemplifies that he has no lawful right, desire, nor inclination to interfere with either factions beliefs in slave holding policies.  He turns to the Constitution for the final judgement of the matter.  In its accordance, any person who is issued into service or labor in one state can be liberated in another.  This is the basis for the fugitive motive to make it to the North --  if they can make it there then they are guaranteed freedom and is also why Lincoln stressed to the North to not fully return all the fugitive slaves (an action which is countered by the South's infrequent engaging with illegal international slave trade).  Despite Lincoln's belief that these problems will never be fully solved, he strengthens the case that if the nation splits over the cause then minor problems will become worse, and all conflicts or feuds between the two factions will never be mended. Lincoln also stresses the importance of the Unity that has held together the United States since before the creation or ratification of the Constitution. The states, whether they engage in hostile or amicable relations with each other, must interact for mutual benefit -- any act of secession would lead to anarchy, or worse: despotism.  He concludes that we must not be enemies but friends.