for all future time.  It was that which gave promise that in due time the weight would be lifted from the shoulders of all men.  This is the sentiment embodied in the Declaration of Independence.  Now, my friends, can the country be saved upon that basis?  If it can, I will consider myself one of the happiest men in the world if I can help to save it.  If it cannot be saved upon that principle, it will be truly awful.  But if this country cannot be saved without giving up that principle, I was about to say I would rather be assassinated on this spot than surrender it.  Now, in my view of the present aspect of affairs, there need be no bloodshed or war.  There is no necessity for it.  I am not in favor of such a course, and I may say, in advance, that there will be no bloodshed unless it is forced upon the Government, and then it will be compelled to act in self-defence.

My friends; this is wholly an unexpected speech, and I did not expect to be called upon to say a word when I came here.  I supposed it was merely to do something toward raising the flag.  I may, therefore, have said something indiscreet.  I have said nothing but what I am willing to live by and, if it be the pleasure of Almighty God, die by.

REPLY TO THE WILMINGTON DELEGATION,

FEBRUARY 22, 1861

Mr. Chairman:—­I feel highly flattered by the encomiums you have seen fit to bestow upon me.  Soon after the nomination of General Taylor, I attended a political meeting in the city of Wilmington, and have since carried with me a fond remembrance of the hospitalities of the city on that occasion.  The programme established provides for my presence in Harrisburg in twenty-four hours from this time.  I expect to be in Washington on Saturday.  It is, therefore, an impossibility that I should accept your kind invitation.  There are no people whom I would more gladly accommodate than those of Delaware; but circumstances forbid, gentlemen.  With many regrets for the character of the reply I am compelled to give you, I bid you adieu.

ADDRESS AT LANCASTER, PENNSYLVANIA,

FEBRUARY 22, 1860

Ladies and gentlemen of old Lancaster:—­I appear not to make a speech.  I have not time to make a speech at length, and not strength to make them on every occasion; and, worse than all, I have none to make.  There is plenty of matter to speak about in these times, but it is well known that the more a man speaks the less he is understood—­the more he says one thing, the more his adversaries contend he meant something else.  I shall soon have occasion to speak officially, and then I will endeavor to put my thoughts just as plain as I can express myself—­true to the Constitution and Union of all the States, and to the perpetual liberty of all the people.  Until I so speak, there is no need to enter upon details.  In conclusion, I greet you most heartily, and bid you an affectionate farewell.