Men are not flattered by being shown that there has been a difference of purpose between the Almighty and them. To deny it, however, in this case, is to deny that there is a God governing the world. It is a truth which I thought needed to be told; and as whatever of humilation there is in it, falls most directly on myself, I thought others might afford for me to tell it.

In all that people can do for themselves, government ought not to interfere.

Again, a law may be both constitutional and expedient, and yet may be administered in an unjust and unfair way.

Tis better people think you a fool, then open your mouth and erase all doubt.

I have an irrepressible desire to live till I can be assured that the world is a little better for my having lived in it.

I destroy my enemy if I make him my friend.

We hoped for a happy termination of this terrible war long before this; but God knows best, and has ruled otherwise. We shall yet acknowledge His wisdom and our own error therein.