After his election to the presidency in 1860, Abraham Lincoln delivered these remarks at a flag raising on Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Commentary would only cheapen their magnificence:
“I have often inquired of myself what great principle or idea it was that kept this confederacy so long together. It was something in the Declaration of Independence, giving liberty, not only to the people of this country, but hope to the world for all future time. It was that which gave promise, that, in due time, the weights should be lifted from the shoulders of all men, and that all men should have an equal chance…Now, my friends, can this country be saved on this basis? If it can, I will consider myself one of the happiest men in the world, if I can help save it. But if this country cannot be saved without giving up that principle, I was about to say, I would be rather assassinated upon the spot than to surrender it.”