For years he has labored to prove it a sacred right of white men to take negro slaves into the new Territories.

Can he possibly show that it is less a sacred right to buy them where they can be bought cheapest?
And unquestionably they can be bought cheaper in Africa than in Virginia.

He has done all in his power to reduce the whole question of slavery to one of a mere right of property....

Now as ever, I wish not to misrepresent Judge Douglas's position, question his motives, or do aught that can be personally offensive to him.
Whenever, if ever, he and we can come together on principle so that our great cause may have assistance from his great ability, I hope to have interposed no adventitious obstacle.

But clearly he is not now with us--he does not pretend to be--he does not promise ever to be." [Sidenote] Lincoln, Springfield Speech, July 17, 1858.