The assertion that 'all men are created equal' was of no practical use in effecting our separation from Great Britain and it was placed in the Declaration not for that, but for future use.

We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.

The Presidency, even to the most experienced politicians, is no bed of roses; and [Zachary] Taylor like others, found thorns within it. No human being can fill that station and escape censure.

Whenever there is a conflict between human rights and property rights, human rights must prevail.

There's no honorable way to kill, no gentle way to destroy. There is nothing good in war. Except its ending.

For it has been said, all that a man hath will he give for his life; and while all contribute of their substance the soldier puts his life at stake, and often yields it up in his country's cause. The highest merit, then is due to the soldier.

It behooves us then to humble ourselves before the offended Power to confess our national sins and to pray for clemency and forgiveness.