I hold, that in contemplation of universal law, and of the Constitution, the Union of these States is perpetual.

My paramount objective in this struggle is to save the Union, and is not to either save or destroy Slavery.

I am rather inclined to silence, and whether that be wise or not, it is at least more unusual nowadays to find a man who can hold his tongue than to find one who cannot.

I shall always think of myself first and foremost... as a hunter.

Continue to execute all the express provisions of our national Constitution, and the Union will endure forever-it being impossible to destroy it, except by some action not provided for in the instrument itself.

Everybody appreciates a compliment.

If slavery is not wrong, nothing is wrong.