In expressing briefly my views upon an important subject which has recently agitated the nation..., I fervently hope that the question is at rest and that no sectional or ambitious or fanatical excitement may again threaten the durability of our institutions.

There's nothing left . . . but to get drunk.

The dangers of a concentration of all power in the general government of a confederacy so vast as ours are too obvious to be disregarded.

With the Union my best and dearest earthly hopes are entwined.

There is nothing left to do but get drunk.

I never justify, sustain, or in any way or to any extent uphold this cruel, heartless, aimless unnecessary war.

In a body [like Congress] where there are more than one hundred talking lawyers, you can make no calculation upon the termination of any debate.