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

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

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!

I have reached the summit of my ambition.

The enactment of the Homestead Act would create the strongest tie between the citizen and the Government-he would with cheerfulness contribute his proportionable part of the taxes to defray the expenses of the political system under which he lived.

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.

I feel incompetent to perform duties...which have been so unexpectedly thrown upon me.