As a nation, we began by declaring that 'all men are created equal.' We now practically read it 'all men are created equal, except negroes.' When the Know-Nothings get control, it will read 'all men are created equal, except negroes, and foreigners, and Catholics.' When it comes to this I should prefer emigrating to some country where they make no pretense of loving liberty – to Russia, for instance, where despotism can be taken pure, and without the base alloy of hypocrisy.
Abraham LincolnNow, at the end of three years struggle the nation's condition is not what either party, or any man devised, or expected. God alone can claim it.
Abraham LincolnCommon looking people are the best in the world: that is the reason the Lord makes so many of them.
Abraham Lincoln