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.

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!

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

I have reached the summit of my ambition.

Slavery exists. It is black in the South, and white in the North.

Legislation can neither be wise nor just which seeks the welfare of a single interest at the expense and to the injury of many and varied interests.

Outside of the Constitution we have no legal authority more than private citizens, and within it we have only so much as that instrument gives us. This broad principle limits all our functions and applies to all subjects.