ers didn't even own a single slave. But the sectionalist differences seemed to be felt by the South as a whole. Southerners were very influential on each other, and vocal in expressing their interest in slavery as a valuable institution. South Carolina lead fury as they did in 1832-33 in the South during the Nullification Crisis. Southerners were feisty and needed to be appeased.
             Lincoln knew that the time between his knowledge of victory and his inauguration would shape his term as president. He looked into installing the Crittenden Plan, which would make an amendment to prohibiting making an amendment top abolishing slavery. He also visited numerous northern cities via railroad and delivered short reassuring speeches that discussed his criteria for his administration policies and assured northerners he would not ignite the southerners by to fussing with slavery. These gestures reflected Lincoln's earlier willingness to compromise. Yet, the south wanted slavery to expand in order for the south to maintain a balance in power in congress. That reality looked bleak in the southern minds. Lincoln had to assuage the aggressive southerners in his inaugural speech while managing his firm commitment to the union. This was a very difficult task, but Lincoln rose to the occasion. Once again, his words were very neutral and mirrored his eagerness to negotiate. He assured southerners that he didn't intend to tinker with slavery at all but that he did oppose the expansion of it. He stayed committed to the Union cause and did not appear weak-hearted for the matter. He called for reconciliation with strong pledge to union. He condemned secession and announced his readiness to use national arms. President Buchanan, in his final address, said the states had no right to secede but the Union had no right to force them to stay. Lincoln received advice from the old general, George Wingfield Scott, who reminded Lincoln that President Jac...