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.

The human mind is impelled to action, or held in rest by some power, over which the mind itself has no control.

The best way to get a bad law repealed is to enforce it strictly.

I have got you together to hear what I have written down. I do not wish your advice about the main matterfor that I have determined for myself.

Again I admonish you not to be turned from your stern purpose of defending your beloved country and its free institutions by any arguments urged by ambitious and designing men, but stand fast to the Union and the old flag.

The best way to destroy an enemy is to make him a friend.

Whatever spiteful fools may say, Each jealous ranting yelper, No woman ever went astray, Without a man to help her