On this day in 1861,

Lincoln Sworn In As President

Tells Seceded Southern States He Will Not Interfere With Slavery Because It Is Protected Under the Constitution

But Says Union Might Invade South If It Refuses to Pay Tariffs

On this day in 1861, Abraham Lincoln was sworn in as president after seven southern states had seceded. As part of his inaugural address, in an effort to reconcile with the seceded states, Lincoln pledged not to interfere with the institution of slavery where it already existed, believing slavery where it existed was protected under the Constitution.  Lincoln also promised that the Union would not use force against the seceded states except to protect federal property or to collect federal tariff revenues.