When I am getting ready to reason with a man, I spend one-third of my time thinking about myself and what I am going to say and two-thirds about him and what he is going to say.

I hear you have abolitionists here. We have a few in Illinois, but we shot one the other day.

In giving freedom to the slave, we assure freedom to the free.

Writing, the art of communicating thoughts to the mind through the eye, is the great invention of the world.

I am satisfied that when the Almighty wants me to do or not do any particular thing, He finds a way of letting me know it

I never knew a man who wished to be himself a slave. Consider if you know any good thing, that no man desires for himself.

It behooves us then to humble ourselves before the offended Power to confess our national sins and to pray for clemency and forgiveness.