I am struggling to maintain the government, not to overthrow it. I am struggling especially to prevent others from overthrowing it.

When the white man governs himself, that is self-government; but when he governs himself and also governs another man, that is more than self-government-that is despotism.

Again I admonish you not to be turned from your stern purpose of defending your beloved country and its free institutions by any arguments urged by ambitious and designing men, but stand fast to the Union and the old flag.

I never trusted a man who never smoked or drank.

Discipline is choosing between what you want now, and what you want most.

God can not be for, and against the same thing at the same time.

If it were not for my firm belief in an overruling Providence, it would be difficult for me, in the midst of such complications of affairs, to keep my reason on its seat. But I am confident that the Almighty has His plans, and will work them out; and, whether we see it or not, they will be the best for us.