I said nothing
to any one, but I made the promise to myself and [hesitating a little]
to my Maker. The rebel army is now driven out, and I am going to fulfil
that promise. I have got you together to hear what I have written down.
I do not wish your advice about the main matter, for that I have
determined for myself. This I say without intending anything but respect
for any one of you. But I already know the views of each on this
question. They have been heretofore expressed, and I have considered
them as thoroughly and carefully as I can. What I have written is that
which my reflections have determined me to say. If there is anything in
the expressions I use, or in any minor matter which any one of you
thinks had best be changed, I shall be glad to receive the suggestions.
One other observation I will make. I know very well that many others
might, in this matter as in others, do better than I can; and if I was
satisfied that the public confidence was more fully possessed by any one
of them than by me, and knew of any constitutional way in which he could
be put in my place, he should have it. I would gladly yield it to him.
But, though I believe that I have not so much of the confidence of the
people as I had some time since, I do not know that, all things
considered any other person has more; and, however this may be, there is
no way in which I can have any other man put where I am.
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