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

The homestead policy was established only after long and earnest resistance; experience proves its wisdom. The lands in the hands of industrious settlers, whose labor creates wealth and contributes to the public resources, are worth more to the United States than if they had been reserved as a solitude for future purchasers.

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

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

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.

I am sworn to uphold the Constitution as Andy Johnson understands it and interprets it.

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