LAD #14: Lincoln's First Inaugural Address

In his inaugural address in 1861, Lincoln cuts right to the chase and proclaims he does not wanted to interfere with slavery in America. He then states that he has taken an oath to "preserve, protect, and defend the United States Constitution", and implies that this regards the South as well. He goes on to say that he will not use force against the South unless it is necessary for him to. However, he states that if the South took up arms against the government, they would be met with force. Furthermore, Lincoln states that the South is under the Constitution because they approved it. Lincoln states that he supports protecting slavery in the states in which it already existed, and he also will enforce the Fugitive Slave Act. Lincoln concludes with his hope for the North and South to work together for peace.