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.

I ... ran for Legislature [in 1832] ... and was beaten-the only time I have been beaten by the people.

I can make a General in five minutes but a good horse is hard to replace.

Towering genius distains a beaten path.

If I could save the Union without freeing any slave, I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing all the slaves, I would do it; and if I could do it by freeing some and leaving others alone, I would do that. I have here stated my purpose according to my official duty, and I intend no modification of my oft-expressed personal wish that all men, everywhere, could be free.

All things desirable to men are contained in the Bible.

There has never been but one question in all civilization-how to keep a few men from saying to many men: You work and earn bread and we will eat it.