GENTLEMEN: I must be permitted to say that I have been almost overwhelmed by the announcement of the sad event which has so recently occurred. I feel incompetent to perform duties so important and responsible as those which have been so unexpectedly thrown upon me. As to an indication of any policy which may be pursued by me in the administration of the Government, I have to say that that must be left for development as the Administration progresses. The message or declaration must be made by the acts as they transpire. 先生们：请允许我说，最近发生的这一令人悲痛的事件的消息几乎使我不知所措。我感到自己无力履行如此重要和负责任的职责，这些职责如此出乎意料地落在了我的肩上。至于我在政府管理中可能奉行的任何政策，我不得不说，这必须留待行政过程中逐步展现。信息或声明必须通过发生的行动来传达。
The only assurance that I can now give of the future is reference to the past. The course which I have taken in the past in connection with this rebellion must be regarded as a guaranty of the future. My past public life, which has been long and laborious, has been founded, as I in good conscience believe, upon a great principle of right, which lies at the basis of all things. 我现在能对未来做出的唯一保证就是参考过去。我过去在处理这场叛乱时所采取的方针必须被视为未来的保证。我的公共生活漫长而辛劳，我凭良心相信，它建立在一个伟大的正义原则之上，这个原则是一切事物的基础。
The best energies of my life have been spent in endeavoring to establish and perpetuate the principles of free government, and I believe that the Government in passing through its present perils will settle down upon principles consonant with popular rights more permanent and enduring than heretofore. I must be permitted to say, if I understand the feelings of my own heart, that I have long labored to ameliorate and elevate the condition of the great mass of the American people. 我一生的最佳精力都花在了努力建立和永久维护自由政府的原则上，我相信政府在度过当前的危机后，将在与人民权利相符的更永久、更持久的原则上安定下来。请允许我说，如果我理解自己内心的感受，我长期以来一直努力改善和提升广大美国人民的状况。
Toil and an honest advocacy of the great principles of free government have been my lot. Duties have been mine; consequences are God's. This has been the foundation of my political creed, and I feel that in the end the Government will triumph and that these great principles will be permanently established. 辛劳和对自由政府伟大原则的真诚倡导一直是我的命运。职责是我的；后果是上帝的。这一直是我的政治信条的基础，我相信最终政府将取得胜利，这些伟大原则将永久确立。
In conclusion, gentlemen, let me say that I want your encouragement and countenance. I shall ask and rely upon you and others in carrying the Government through its present perils. I feel in making this request that it will be heartily responded to by you and all other patriots and lovers of the rights and interests of a free people. 最后，先生们，让我说我需要你们的鼓励和支持。在带领政府度过当前危机时，我将请求并依靠你们和其他人。我相信，在提出这个请求时，你们和所有其他爱国者以及热爱自由人民权利和利益的人都会衷心响应。