I ... ran for Legislature [in 1832] ... and was beaten-the only time I have been beaten by the people.

How many legs does a dog have if you call the tail a leg? Four. Calling a tail a leg doesn't make it a leg.

It is a pleasure to be able to quote lines to fit any occasion.

You are ambitious, which, within reasonable bounds, does good rather than harm.

Let there be no compromise on the question of extending slavery. If there be, all our labor is lost, and, ere long, must be done again.

Such a man the times have demanded, and such, in the providence of God was given us. But he is gone. Let us strive to deserve, as far as mortals may, the continued care of Divine Providence, trusting that, in future national emergencies, He will not fail to provide us the instruments of safety and security.

Surely He intends some great good to follow this mighty convulsion which no mortal could make, and no mortal could stay.