Disunion by force is treason.

It is to be regretted that the rich and powerful too often bend the acts of government to their own selfish purposes.

Every man is equally entitled to protection by law. But when the laws undertake to add... artificial distinctions, to grant titles, gratuities, and exclusive privileges—to make the rich richer and the potent more powerful— the humble members of society—the farmers, mechanics, and laborers, who have neither the time nor the means of securing like favors to themselves, have a right to complain of the injustice of their government.

It is pleasing to reflect that results so beneficial, not only to the States immediately concerned, but to the harmony of the Union, will have been accomplished by measures equally advantageous to the Indians. What the native savages become when surrounded by a dense population and by mixing with the whites may be seen in the miserable remnants of a few Eastern tribes, deprived of political and civil rights, forbidden to make contracts, and subjected to guardians, dragging out a wretched existence, without excitement, without hope, and almost without thought.

The hydra of corruption is only scotched, not dead. An investigation kills and it and its supporters dead. Let this be had.

This spirit of mob-law is becoming as great an evil as a servile war.

After eight years as President I have only two regrets: that I have not shot Henry Clay or hanged John C. Calhoun.