I can only say that I have acted upon my best convictions, without selfishness or malice, and that by the help of God I shall continue to do so.

He who represents himself has a fool for a client

I do not understand that because I do not want a negro woman for a slave I must necessarily want her for a wife. My understanding is that I can just let her alone.

When I go hear a man speak, I like to hear him speak like he's fighting a swarm of bees.

We seek not to overthrow the constitution, but to overthrow those who would prevert it.

When we were the political slaves of King George, and wanted to be free, we called the maxim that "all men are created equal" a self evident truth; but now when we have grown fat, and have lost all dread of being slaves ourselves, we have become so greedy to be masters that we call the same maxim "a self evident lie" The fourth of July has not quite dwindled away; it is still a great day-for burning fire-crackers!!!

Next to creating a life the finest thing a man can do is save one.