Do not destroy that immortal emblem of humanity, the Declaration of Independence.

I have simply tried to do what seemed best each day, as each day came.

If I had my way, this war would never have been commenced. If I had been allowed my way this war would have been ended before this.

The world has never had a good definition of the word liberty, and the American people, just now, are much in want of one. We all declare for liberty; but in using the same word we do not all mean the same thing.

My friends I now leave, not knowing when, or whether ever, I may return, with a task before me greater than that which rested upon Washington. Without the assistance of that Divine Being, who ever attended him, I cannot succeed. With that assistance, I cannot fail.

I could write shorter sermons but when I get started I'm too lazy to stop

I affect no contempt for the high eminence he [Senator Stephen Douglas] has reached. So reached, that the oppressed of my species,might have shared with me in the elevation, I would rather stand on that eminence, than wear the richest crown that ever pressed a monarch's brow.