I want it said of me by those who knew me best, that I always plucked a thistle and planted a flower where I thought a flower would grow.

I have stepped out upon this platform that I may see you and that you may see me, and in the arrangement I have the best of the bargain.

If you wish to be a lawyer, attach no consequence to the place you are in, or the person you are with; but get books, sit down anywhere, and go to reading for yourself. That will make a lawyer of you quicker than any other way.

Wise statesmen ... established these great self-evident truths, that when in the distant future some man, some faction, some interest, should set up the doctrine that none but rich men, or none but white men, were entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, their posterity should look up again at the Declaration of Independence and take courage to renew the battle which their fathers began.

You say you will not fight to free negroes. Some of them seem willing to fight for you; but, no matter. Fight you, then exclusively to save the Union.

Do I not damage my enemies after i make them my close friends?

Must a government be too strong for the liberties of its people or too weak to maintain its own existence?