Don’t criticize them; they are just what we would be under similar circumstances.

Without slavery the rebellion could never have existed; without slavery it could not continue.

We must not promise what we ought not, lest we be called on to perform what we cannot.

You already know I desire that neither Father or Mother shall be in want of any comfort either in health or sickness while they live.

Never let your correspondence fall behind.

We find ourselves under the government of a system of political institutions, conducing more essentially to the ends of civil and religious liberty, than any of which the history of former times tells us.

Discourage litigation. Persuade your neighbors to compromise whenever you can. As a peacemaker the lawyer has superior opportunity of being a good man. There will still be business enough.