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.

If I am to be shot at, I want no man to be in the way of the bullet.

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

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.

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.

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!

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