Lincoln’s Letter to A. H. Stephens

Do the people of the South really entertain fears that a Republican administration would, directly, or indirectly with their slaves or with them, about their slaves? If they do, I wish to assure you, as once a friend, and still, I hope, not an enemy, that there is no cause for such fears.

The South would be in more danger in this respect than it was in the day of Washington, I suppose, however, this does not meet the case. You think slavery right and ought to be extended; while we think it is wrong and ought to be restricted. That I suppose is the rub. It certainly is the only substantial difference between us.