I claim not to have controlled events, but confess plainly that events have controlled me.

Public sentiment is everything. With public sentiment, nothing can fail. Without it, nothing can succeed.

The man who stands by and says nothing, when the peril of his government is discussed, can not be misunderstood. If not hindered, he is sure to help the enemy.

How many times have I laughed at you telling me plainly that I was too lazy to be anything but a lawyer.

Why don't I drink from a straw? Because straws are for suckers.

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.

I failed, I failed, and that is about all that can be said about it.