I have heard something said about allegiance to the South. I know no South, no North, no East, no West, to which I owe any allegiance.

All legislation is founded upon the principle of mutual concession.

Of all the properties which belong to honorable men, not one is so highly prized as that of character.

Honor and good faith and justice are equally due from this country toward the weak as toward the strong.

A man must be a born fool who voluntarily engages in controversy with Mr. Adams on a question of fact. I doubt whether he was ever mistaken in his life.

Peaceably if we can, forcibly if we must.

All legislation, all government, all society is founded upon the principle of mutual concession, politeness, comity, courtesy; upon these everything is based...Let him who elevates himself above humanity, above its weaknesses, its infirmities, its wants, its necessities, say, if he pleases, I will never compromise; but let no one who is not above the frailties of our common nature disdain compromises.