His actual words:
I therefore consider that in view of the Constitution and the laws the Union is unbroken, and to the extent of my ability, I shall take care, as the Constitution itself expressly enjoins upon me, that the laws of the Union be faithfully executed in all the States. Doing this I deem to be only a simple duty on my part, and I shall perform it so far as practicable unless my rightful masters, the American people, shall withhold the requisite means or in some authoritative manner direct the contrary. I trust this will not be regarded as a menace, but only as the declared purpose of the Union that it will constitutionally defend and maintain itself.
In doing this there needs to be no bloodshed or violence, and there shall be none unless it be forced upon the national authority. The power confided to me will be used to hold, occupy, and possess the property and places belonging to the Government and to collect the duties and imposts; but beyond what may be necessary for these objects, there will be no invasion, no using of force against or among the people anywhere. Where hostility to the United States in any interior locality shall be so great and universal as to prevent competent resident citizens from holding the Federal offices, there will be no attempt to force obnoxious strangers among the people for that object. While the strict legal right may exist in the Government to enforce the exercise of these offices, the attempt to do so would be so irritating and so nearly impracticable withal that I deem it better to forego for the time the uses of such offices.
The mails, unless repelled, will continue to be furnished in all parts of the Union. So far as possible the people everywhere shall have that sense of perfect security which is most favorable to calm thought and reflection. The course here indicated will be followed unless current events and experience shall show a modification or change to be proper, and in every case and exigency my best discretion will be exercised, according to circumstances actually existing and with a view and a hope of a peaceful solution of the national troubles and the restoration of fraternal sympathies and affections.
Such vicious threats!
In his Inaugural Address, Lincoln stated that it was his duty “to collect the duties and imposts,” but beyond that “there will be no invasion of any state.”
What that really meant was that he was saying that if the seceded states failed to collect and pay the newly-doubled tariff rates, as the South Carolinians did with respect to the 1828 Tariff of Abominations, there would be an invasion.
He was true to his word.
4/8/1861 Armed Coast Guard revenue cutter, Harriet Lane, put out to sea from New York with sealed orders.
4/9/1861 The steam transports Illinois and Baltic got to sea. The Illinois carried 300 troops and the Baltic had 200. The Powhatan had sailed on the 7th with 358 troops. The Pawnee left from Norfolk with 10 guns and 200 troops.
He instructed Fox to fight his way in if opposed.
Fighting is vicious work.