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.

I confess I hate to see the poor creatures hunted down but I bite my lip and keep quiet.

Whatever spiteful fools may say, Each jealous ranting yelper, No woman ever went astray, Without a man to help her

When met with a problem I always ask myself what is the right thing to do and then I do it.

The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.

While I have often said that all men out to be free, yet I would allow those colored persons to be slaves who want to be; and next to them those white persons who argue in favor of making other people slaves. I am in favor of giving an opportunity to such white men to try it on for themselves.

The leading rule for a man of every calling is diligence; never put off until tomorrow what you can do today.