I could not sleep when I got on the hunt for an idea, until I had caught it. This was a kind of passion with me, and it has stuck with me.

What has ever threatened our liberty and prosperity save and except this institution of Slavery?

Without Divine assistance I can not succeed; with it I can not fail.

Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery, I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally.

Every one desires to live long, but no one would be old.

The surest way to reveal one's character is not through adversity but by giving them power.

Fellow countrymen: At this second appearing to take the oath of the Presidential office, there is less occasion for an extended address than there was at the first...The progress of our arms, upon which all else chiefly depends, is as well known to the public as to myself; and it is, I trust, reasonably satisfactory and encouraging to all. With high hope for the future, no prediction in regard to it is ventured.