Our adversaries [ the Confederate States of America ] have adopted some declarations of independence in which, unlike the good old one penned by Jefferson, they omit the words "all men are created equal." Why? They have adopted a temporary national constitution, in the preamble of which, unlike our good old one, signed by Washington, they omit "We, the People," and substitute "We, the deputies of the sovereign and independent States." Why? Why this deliberate pressing out of view, the rights of men, and the authority of the people?

A nation may be said to consist of its territory, its people, and its laws. The territory is the only part which is of certain durability.

The US patent system adds the fuel of interest to the fire of genius in the discovery and production of new and useful things

The power of hope upon human exertion, and happiness, is wonderful.

It is my pleasure that my children are free and happy, and unrestrained by parental tyranny. Love is the chain whereby to bind a child to its parents.

The best way to destroy an enemy is to make him a friend.

My old father used to have a saying: If you make a bad bargain, hug it all the tighter.