I have been almost overwhelmed by the announcement of the sad event [Lincoln's assassination] which has so recently occurred. I feel incompetent to perform duties so important and responsible as those which have been so unexpectedly thrown upon me.

For myself, I care not whether treason be committed North or South; he that is guilty of treason is entitled to a traitor's fate!

Tyranny and despotism can be exercised by many, more rigorously, more vigorously, and more severely, than by one.

The life of a republic lies certainly in the energy, virtue, and intelligence of its citizens.

If the rabble were lopped off at one end and the aristocrat at the other, all would be well with the country.

I never thought I would be impeached.

I hold it the duty of the executive to insist upon frugality in the expenditure, and a sparing economy is itself a great national source.