In giving freedom to the slave, we assure freedom to the free - honorable alike in what we give and what we preserve. We shall nobly save, or meanly lose, the last best hope of earth.

There is no greater injustice than to wring your profits from the sweat of another man's brow.

What I do say is, that no man is good enough to govern another man, without that other's consent. I say this is the leading principle - the sheet anchor of American republicanism.

I ... ran for Legislature [in 1832] ... and was beaten-the only time I have been beaten by the people.

Our common country is in great peril, demanding the loftiest views, and boldest action to bring it speedy relief.

I go for all sharing the privileges of the government who assist in bearing its burdens.

As a nation, we began by declaring that 'all men are created equal.' We now practically read it 'all men are created equal, except negroes.' When the Know-Nothings get control, it will read 'all men are created equal, except negroes, and foreigners, and Catholics.' When it comes to this I should prefer emigrating to some country where they make no pretense of loving liberty – to Russia, for instance, where despotism can be taken pure, and without the base alloy of hypocrisy.