But, little as they trusted him, he was
well fitted for the work that lay before him.
[A] Jefferson Davis was chosen president and Alexander H. Stephens
vice-president. The seven cotton States hoped that they would
be joined by the other eight slave States, but only four of
these eight seceded. Delaware, Maryland, Kentucky, and
Missouri remained loyal to the Union.
His inauguration was but a few weeks over when the Civil War began. We
cannot here pause for full accounts of all Lincoln's trials and
difficulties in this fearful struggle. During those four fateful years,
1861-1865, his burdens were almost overwhelming. But, like Washington, he
believed that "right makes might" and must prevail, and this belief
sustained him.
Although his whole nature revolted against slavery, he had no power to do
away with it in the States where it existed, for by his office he was
sworn to defend the Constitution. "My great purpose," he said, "is to save
the Union, and not to destroy slavery."
But as the war went on he became certain that the slaves, by remaining on
the plantations and producing food for the Southern soldiers, were aiding
the Southern cause.
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