When I die, I desire no better winding sheet than the Stars and Stripes, and no softer pillow than the Constitution of my country.

There are some who lack confidence in the integrity and capacity of the people to govern themselves. To all who entertain such fears I will most respectfully say that I entertain none. If man is not capable, and is not to be trusted with the government of himself, is he to be trusted with the government of others? Who, then, will govern? The answer must be, Man - for we have no angels in the shape of men, as yet, who are willing to take charge of our political affairs.

It is our sacred duty to transmit unimpaired to our posterity the blessings of liberty which were bequeathed to us by the founders of the Republic.

The goal to strive for is a poor government but a rich people.

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.

Honest conviction is my courage; the Constitution is my guide.

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!