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?

Let us do nothing through passion and ill temper.

If 600,000 people have to die in order for the nation to live, then 600,000 people will die.

Let us strive on to finish the work we are in.

I see in the near future a crisis approaching that unnerves me and causes me to tremble for the safety of my country.

With high hope for the future, no prediction is ventured.

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