I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts.

The US patent system adds the fuel of interest to the fire of genius in the discovery and production of new and useful things

With malice towards none; with charity for all.

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

Now, and ever, I shall do all in my power for peace, consistently with the maintenance of government.

I have an irrepressible desire to live till I can be assured that the world is a little better for my having lived in it.

I repeat the declaration made a year ago, that 'while I remain in my present position I shall not attempt to retract or modify the emancipation proclamation, nor shall I return to slavery any person who is free by the terms of that proclamation, or by any of the Acts of Congress.' If the people should, by whatever mode or means, make it an Executive duty to re-enslave such persons, another, and not I, must be their instrument to perform it.