As the patriots of seventy-six did to the support of the Declaration of Independence, so to the support of the Constitution and Laws, let every American pledge his life, his property, and his sacred honor;-let every man remember that to violate the law, is to trample on the blood of his father, and to tear the character of his own, and his children's liberty.
Abraham LincolnPublic opinion, though often formed upon a wrong basis, yet generally has a strong underlying sense of justice.
Abraham LincolnI never knew a man who wished to be himself a slave. Consider if you know any good thing, that no man desires for himself.
Abraham LincolnThe case of Andrews is really a very bad one, as appears by the record already before me. Yet before receiving this I had orderedhis punishment commuted to imprisonmentand had so telegraphed. I did this, not on any merit in the case, but because I am trying to evade the butchering business lately.
Abraham Lincoln