Second Inaugural Address Excerpt – April 10, 1865
http://www.ourdocuments.gov/doc_large_image.php?flash=false&doc=38
A month before the end of the Civil War…Â
Typed Version:
With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan – to do all which may achieve and cherish a just, and a lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations.
Student Friendly Version:
Not wanting people to suffer pain, and having a kind attitude towards others, with a belief in what is true, as God lets us understand what is true, let us put a lot of energy into finishing what we have started, to wrap up the nation’s injuries, to care for those who have had to deal with the battle, and for the wives who are left alone after their husbands have died, and the children whose father’s have died – to do all we can with a lot of effort, having a positive attitude, free from favoritism, work for a lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations.