Delivered on 4 March 1861, Lincoln’s First Inaugural Address responds to the secession crisis confronting the United States. He assures the Southern states that his administration does not intend to interfere with slavery where it already exists and promises to enforce the Constitution and federal law.

Lincoln argues that the Union is perpetual and that no state can lawfully leave it on its own authority. He presents secession as incompatible with constitutional government, warning that allowing minorities to withdraw whenever they reject a majority decision would lead towards anarchy. He nevertheless limits his proposed use of federal power to maintaining government property, collecting duties and carrying out lawful responsibilities.

The address repeatedly urges patience, reflection and peaceful resolution. Lincoln places responsibility for any conflict upon those resisting federal authority, while appealing to shared history and national affection. He closes by declaring that Americans are friends rather than enemies and invoking the “better angels of our nature” as a basis for reconciliation.