Executive Mansion,
Washington, March 7, 1864.
My dear Sir:
I am very anxious for emancipation to be effected in Maryland in some substantial form. I think it probable that my expressions of a preference for gradual, over immediate emancipation, are misunderstood. I supposed had thought the for gradual, would produce less confusion and destitution; and therefore would be more satisfactory; but if those who are better acquainted with the subject, and are more [ illegible] deeply interested in it, prefer the immediate, most certainly I have no objection to it-- their judgment prevailing.
My wish is that all who are for emancipation, in any form, shall co-operate, all treating all respectfully, and all adopting and acting upon, the major opinion when fairly ascertained-- What I have dreaded is the danger that, by jealousies, rivalries, and consequent ill-blood -- driving one another out of meetings and Conventions, perchance from the polls -- the friends of emancipation them selves may divide, and lose the whole measure altogether.
I wish this letter to not be made public; but no man representing me as I herein represent myself, will be in any danger of being contradicted contradiction by me--
Yours truly
A. Lincoln
