Dear Sir: Yours of the 24th. asking 'the best mode of obtaining a thorough knowledge of the law' is received. The mode is very simple, though laborious, and tedious. It is only to get the books, and read, and study them carefully. Begin with Blackstone's Commentaries, and after reading it carefully through, say twice, take up Chitty's Pleading, Greenleaf's Evidence, & Story's Equity &c. in succession. Work, work, work, is the main thing.

That some achieve great success, is proof to all that others can achieve it as well.

Let every man remember that to violate the law, is to trample on the blood of his father, and to tear the character of his own, and his children's liberty.

It is a sin to be silent when it is your duty to protest.

I was elected a Captain of Volunteers--a success which gave me more pleasure than any I have had since.

And upon this act [Emancipation Proclamation]...I invoke...the gracious favor of Almighty God.

Next to creating a life the finest thing a man can do is save one.