How did Lincoln’s feelings about slavery evolve during his presidency?
Although it is not possible to know Lincoln’s feelings, there is evidence of his internal struggle with the issue of slavery and emancipation. Lincoln-Douglas debates, August – October, 1858. Lincoln declares that he has no intention of interfering with slavery in states where it already exists, he felt there was a physical difference between whites and blacks, but held that there was no reason why the negro was not entitled to all the natural rights enumerated in the Declaration of Independence – “he has the right to eat the bread that his hand has earned.” – Ottawa, 1858* From the surrender of Fort Sumter Lincoln was urged to end slavery – he declared, “We didn’t go into war to put down slavery, but to put the flag back,” Shortly after this he devised a plan to pay Delaware, Maryland, Kentucky, and Missouri $500 for every slave and free them in batches. By March 1862, Lincoln called upon Congress to adopt a program of emancipation compensation. He also supported colonization for a sh
