Our eldest boy, Bob, has been away from us nearly a year at school, and will enter Harvard University this month. He promises verywell, considering we never controlled him much.

All creation is a mine, and every man a miner.

I say now, however, as I have all the while said, that on the territorial question - that is, the question of extending slavery under the national auspices, - I am inflexible. I am for no compromise which assists or permits the extension of the institution on soil owned by the nation.

A majority held in restraint by constitutional checks and limitations...is the only true sovereign of a free people. Whoever rejects it does of necessity fly to anarchy or to despotism.

One generation passeth away and another generation cometh, but the earth abideth forever.

As I would not be a slave, so I would not be a master. This expresses my idea of democracy.

We cannot but believe that He who made the world still governs it.