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

We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory will swell when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.

Lamon, that speech won't scour. It is a flat failure and the people are disappointed.

We should avoid planting and cultivating too many thorns in the bosom of society.

Woe unto the world because of offenses; for it must needs be that offenses come, but woe to that man by whom the offense cometh.

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

The unpleasant events you are passing from will not have been profitless to you.