Oh, that [his Thanksgiving Message] is some of Seward's nonsense, and it pleases the fools.

The greatest lessons I have every learned were at my mother's knees... All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.

Seriously, I do not think I am fit for the Presidency.

I know not how to aid you, save in the assurance of one of mature age, and much severe experience, that you can not fail, if you resolutely determine, that you will not.

A good, real, unrestrained, hearty laugh is a sort of glorified internal massage, performed rapidly and automatically. It manipulates and revitalizes corners and unexplored crannies of the system that are unresponsive to most other exercise methods. With the fearful strain that is on me night and day, if I did not laugh I should die.

Nations do not die from invasion; they die from internal rottenness.

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