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

Surely God would not have created such a being as man, with an ability to grasp the infinite, to exist only for a day! No, no, man was made for immortality.

I was born and have ever remaind [sic] in the most humble walks of life.

Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.

The ballot is stronger than the bullet.

This human struggle and scramble for office, for a way to live without work, will finally test the strength of our institutions.

Towering genius...thirsts and burns for distinction; and, if possible, it will have it, whether at the expense of emancipating slaves or enslaving freeman.