Memoir 1, Page 29, Lincoln in New York City

"'There is nothing that could ever bring me to willingly consent to the destruction of this Union +++ except it be the purpose for which the Union itself was formed.'"

This is a quote from Lincoln’s response to a welcome address made by the Mayor of New York City in February of 1861. "There is nothing that could ever bring me to willingly consent to the destruction of this Union, under which not only the great commercial city of New York, but the whole country, acquired its greatness, except it be the purpose for which the Union itself was formed." For a complete version of these remarks, click here.