Whether the Union stands or falls, I believe the profession of arms will henceforth be more desirable and more respected than it has been hitherto.

War is a positive, precise and specific evil, of gigantic proportions ...making within the sphere of its influence all true grandeur impossible.

Give me the money that has been spent in war and I will clothe every man, woman, and child in an attire of which kings and queens will be proud. I will build a schoolhouse in every valley over the whole earth. I will crown every hillside with a place of worship consecrated to peace.

From the beginning of our history the country has been afflicted with compromise. It is by compromise that human rights have been abandoned.

Whatever may be the temporary applause of men, or the expressions of public opinion, it may be asserted without fear of contradiction, that no true and permanent fame can be founded, except in labors which promote the happiness of mankind.

There are two sorts of pity: one is a balm and the other a poison; the first is realized by our friends, the last by our enemies.

No true and permanent fame can be founded, except in labors which promote the happiness of mankind.