Upon the subject of education, not presuming to dictate any plan or system respecting it, I can only say that I view it as the most important subject which we as a people can be engaged in. That every man may receive at least a moderate education...appears to be an object of vital importance...

Life is hard but so very beautiful

I am a little uneasy about the abolishment of slavery in this District of Columbia.

I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life.

The struggle of today is not altogether for today - it is for a vast future also.

A long visit to a friend is often a great bore. Never make people twice glad.

Allow the president to invade a neighboring nation, whenever he shall deem it necessary to repel an invasion, and you allow him to do so whenever he may choose to say he deems it necessary for such a purpose - and you allow him to make war at pleasure.