I want in all cases to do right.

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

I am an optimist because I don't see the point in being anything else.

I hold the value of life is to improve one's condition. Whatever is calculated to advance the condition of the honest, struggling laboring man, so far as my judgment will enable me to judge of a correct thing, I am for that thing.

No policy that does not rest upon some philosophical public opinion can be permanently maintained.

Kindness is the only service that will stand the storm of life and not wash out. It will wear well and will be remembered long after the prism of politeness or the complexion of courtesy has faded away.

We all declare for liberty, but in using the same word we do not all mean the same thing.