WIST Quotations

Lincoln, Abraham -- Speech (1856-05-29), Republican State Convention of Illinois, Bloomington [ed. Whitney]

Dave — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 22:29:58 +0000

I will not say that we may not sooner or later be compelled to meet force by force; but the time has not yet come, and, if we are true to ourselves, may never come. Do not mistake that the ballot is stronger than the bullet. Therefore let the legions of slavery use bullets; but let us wait patiently till November and fire ballots at them in return; and by that peaceful policy I believe we shall ultimately win.

Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) American lawyer, politician, US President (1861-65)
Speech (1856-05-29), Republican State Convention of Illinois, Bloomington [ed. Whitney]
(Source)

The speech is based on contemporaneous notes by William C. Whitney, who was present at the speech. The speech was reconstructed from the notes in 1896; Whitney said that it was not literal, but followed Lincoln's arguments and used many of his sentences.

Usually given in a shorter form: "The ballot is stronger than the bullet."

Lincoln used the juxtaposition of ballots and bullets a number of times (e.g., 1858, 1863). This is the earliest of the instances I can find.

Lincoln, Abraham -- Letter (1863-08-26) to James C. Conkling

Dave — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 15:05:00 +0000

Peace does not appear so distant as it did. I hope it will come soon, and come to stay; and so come as to be worth the keeping in all future time. It will then have been proved that, among free men, there can be no successful appeal from the ballot to the bullet; and that they who take such appeal are sure to lose their case, and pay the cost.

Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) American lawyer, politician, US President (1861-65)
Letter (1863-08-26) to James C. Conkling
(Source)

Sent as a letter to Conkling to read to a rally of Union supporters in Springfield, Illionis (1863-09-03).

Lincoln used the juxtaposition of ballots and bullets a number of times (e.g., 1856, 1858).

Lincoln, Abraham -- Speech (1858-05-18), fragment

Dave — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 12:39:44 +0000

To give the victory to the right, not bloody bullets, but peaceful ballots only, are necessary.

Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) American lawyer, politician, US President (1861-65)
Speech (1858-05-18), fragment

The date is an estimate.

Lincoln used the juxtaposition of ballots and bullets a number of times (e.g., 1856, 1863).