Final answer:
As an advisor to Abraham Lincoln, it's best to counsel him to stick to his campaign standpoint of non-interference with existing slavery, emphasizing Union preservation and refuting secession, while avoiding definitive public statements that could be misconstrued.
Step-by-step explanation:
As a campaign advisor to Abraham Lincoln prior to the 1860 election, to calm the fears of Southerners that his election would lead to the abolition of slavery in the South, I would advise him to maintain the position he had during his campaign. Lincoln insisted that he would not interfere with slavery where it already existed and that his main aim was to preserve the Union. Given the concerns of secession expressed by Southerners and their distrust towards Republican intentions, it would be crucial for Lincoln to reiterate his commitment to the law and the Constitution, and his lack of intent to abolish slavery in the states where it was already practiced.
Although Lincoln received numerous requests to publicly clarify his stance on the issue of slavery, he found it prudent to avoid making premature statements that southern papers could misrepresent, potentially exacerbating the tension. Instead, Lincoln focused on his principle of preserving the Union, rejecting secession, and emphasizing the importance of majority rule and nation's unity. He also floated the idea of gradual emancipation and colonization as a transition strategy for the South to adjust post-emancipation, showcasing his willingness to consider a range of measures to maintain peace and unity.