If we cannot give freedom to every creature, let us do nothing that will impose slavery upon any other creature.

I can make a General in five minutes but a good horse is hard to replace.

Legislation and adjudication must follow, and conform to, the progress of society.

I don't know who my grandfather was; I am much more concerned to know what his grandson will be.

Don't kneel to me, that is not right. You must kneel to God only, and thank Him for the liberty you will hereafter enjoy.

The working men are the basis of all governments, for the plain reason that they are the most numerous.

In those days, our Declaration of Independence was held sacred by all, and thought to include all; but now, to aid in the making the bondage of the negro universal and eternal, it is assailed, and sneered at, and construed, and hawked at, and torn, till, if its framers could rise from their graves, they could not at all recognize it.