We may well leave it to the instincts of that common humanity which a beneficent Creator has implanted in the breasts of our fellow-men of all countries, to pass judgment on a measure by which several millions of human beings of an inferior race, peaceful and contented laborers in their sphere, are doomed to extermination, while at the same time they are encouraged to a general assassination of their masters by the insidious recommendation “to abstain from violence unless in necessary self defence.” Our own detestation of those who have attempted the most execrable measure recorded in the history of guilty man, is tempered by profound contempt for the impotent rage which it discloses. So far as regards the action of this government on such criminals as may attempt its execution, I confine myself to informing you that I shall, unless in your wisdom you deem some other course more expedient, deliver to the several State authorities all commissioned officers of the United States that may hereafter be captured by our forces in any of the States embraced in the proclamation, that they may be dealt with in accordance with the laws of those States providing for the punishment of criminals engaged in exciting servile insurrection. The enlisted soldiers I shall continue to treat as unwilling instruments in the commission of these crimes, and shall direct their discharge and return to their homes on the proper and usual parole.
In its political aspect, this measure possesses great significance, and to it in this light, I invite your attention. It affords to our whole people the complete and crowning proof of the true nature of the designs of the party which elevated to power the present occupant of the Presidential chair at Washington, and which sought to conceal its purposes by every variety of artful device, and by the perfidious use of the most solemn and repeated pledges on every possible occasion.
Glossary:
beneficent: kind and helpful, especially in a way that benefits others
contented: feeling satisfied and peaceful with what one has
destination: the place where someone or something is going
enlisted soldiers: soldiers who are not commissioned officers
excorable: deserving strong dislike or blame because it is very bad
expedient: useful or practical for a specific situation, even if it is not ideal
insidious: harmful in a slow, sneaky way, often spreading or causing damage without being noticed at first
perfidious: dishonest and untrustworthy, especially by betraying someone
solemn: serious in mood or behavior
tempered: made less strong or extreme by adding balance or control