Lincoln, Congress, and Emancipation (Perspectives on the History of Congress, 1801–1877)

by Paul Finkelman (Author), Donald R. Kennon (Author)

• New

  Illustrated
  2016

  $42.90

  When Lincoln took office, in March 1861, the national government had no power to touch slavery in the states where it existed. Lincoln understood this, and said as much in his first inaugural address, noting: `I have no purpose, directly or indirectly, to interfere with the institution of slavery in the States where it exists.'