I wish to see, in process of disappearing, that only thing which ever could bring this nation to civil war.

May the Almighty grant that the cause of truth, justice, and humanity, shall in no wise suffer at my hands.

Nothing is stronger than gentleness.

Few can be induced to labor exclusively for posterity; and none will do it enthusiastically. Posterity has done nothing for us; and theorize on it as we may, practically we shall do very little for it, unless we are made to think we are at the same time doing something for ourselves.

Any society that takes away from those most capable and gives to the least will perish.

It is the quality of revolutions not to go by old lines or old laws; but to break up both, and make new ones.

I do but quote from one of those speeches when I declare that "I have no purpose, directly or indirectly, to interfere with the institution of slavery in the States where it exists. I believe I have no lawful right to do so, and I have no inclination to do so."