In his reply, Mr. Lincoln stated that having, in his inaugural address,
defined his intended policy, it was with deep regret and some
mortification that he now learned that there was great and injurious
uncertainty as to what that policy was; he commended a careful
consideration of the document as the best expression he could give of
his purpose. Continuing, he said:
"As I then and therein said, I now repeat, '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 is necessary for these objects there will be no invasion,
no using of force against or among the people anywhere.'"