The legitimate object of government is to do for a community of people whatever they need to have done, but can not do at all, or can not so well do, for themselves – in their separate, and individual capacities.

If all do not join now to save the good old ship of the Union this voyage nobody will have a chance to pilot her on another voyage.

Better give your path to a dog than be bitten by him in contesting for the right. Even killing the dog would not cure the bite

If this country is ever demoralized, it will come from trying to live without work.

I wish to see, in process of disappearing, that only thing which ever could bring this nation to civil war.

I have had so many evidences of [God's] direction, so many instances when I have been controlled by some other power than my own will, that I cannot doubt that this power comes from above.

Negro equality, Fudge!! How long in the Government of a God great enough to make and maintain this Universe, shall there continue to be knaves to vend and fools to gulp, so low a piece of demagoguism as this?