Do the people of the South really entertain fears that a Republican administration would, directly, or indirectly, interfere with their slaves, or with them, about their slaves? If they do, I wish to assure you, as once a friend, and still, I hope, not an enemy, that there is no cause for such fears.

Talk to the jury as though your client's fate depends on every word you utter.

In this sad world of ours, sorrow comes to all, and it comes with bitter agony. Perfect relief is not possible, except with the passing of time.

If I am killed, I can die by once; but to live in constant dread of it, is to die over and over again.

I claim not to have controlled events, but confess plainly that events have controlled me.

I will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. It is not the Constitution as I would like to have it, but as it is, that is to be defended. The Constitution will not be preserved & defended until it is enforced & obeyed in every part of every one of the United States. It must be so respected, obeyed, enforced and defended, and let the grass grow where it may.

The Bible is not my book nor Christianity my profession. I could never give assent to the long, complicated statements of Christian dogma.