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

When I so pressingly urge a strict observance of all the laws, let me not be understood as saying there are no bad laws, nor that grievances may not arise, for the redress of which, no legal provisions have been made. I mean to say no such thing. But I do mean to say, that, although bad laws, if they exist, should be repealed as soon as possible, still while they continue in force, for the sake of example, they should be religiously observed.

As to the whiskers, having never worn any, do you not think people would call it a piece of silly affectation if I were to begin it now?

An inspection of the Constitution will show that the right of property in a slave in not "distinctly and expressly affirmed" in it.

Do you think we choose the times into which we are born? Or do we fit the times we are born into?

Our popular government has often been called an experiment. Two points in it our people have already settled, the successful establishing and the successful administering of it. One still remains, its successful maintenance against a formidable internal attempt to overthrow it.

The loss of enemies does not compensate for the loss of friends.