I cannot speak so confidently about the fighting qualities of the Eastern men, or what are called Yankees - not knowing myself particularly to whom the appellation belongs - but this I do know - if the Southerners think that man for man they are better than our Illinois men, or western men generally, they will discover themselves in a grievous mistake.

As President, I have no eyes but constitutional eyes; I cannot see you.

What has ever threatened our liberty and prosperity save and except this institution of Slavery?

We will make converts day by day; we will grow strong by the violence and injustice of our adversaries. And, unless truth be a mockery and justice a hollow lie, we will be in the majority after a while.

Republicans are for both the man and the dollar, but in case of conflict the man before the dollar.

The government will support you to the utmost of its ability, which is neither more nor less than it has done and will do for allcommanders.

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.