I have never had a feeling politically that did not spring from the sentiments embodied in the Declaration of Independence.

My policy is to have no policy.

As to the whiskers, having never worn any, do you not think people would call it a piece of silly affectation if I were to begin it now?

My faith in the proposition that each man should do precisely as he pleases with all which is exclusively his own lies at the foundation of the sense of justice there is in me.

Few can be induced to labor exclusively for posterity; and none will do it enthusiastically. Posterity has done nothing for us; and theorize on it as we may, practically we shall do very little for it, unless we are made to think we are at the same time doing something for ourselves.

I would save the Union. I would save it the shortest way under the Constitution. The sooner the national authority can be restored; the nearer the Union will be 'the Union as it was'.

The unpleasant events you are passing from will not have been profitless to you.