All legislation is founded upon the principle of mutual concession.

Government is a trust, and the officers of the government are trustees. And both the trust and the trustees are created for the benefit of the people.

Peaceably if we can, forcibly if we must.

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.

I always have had, and always shall have, a profound regard for Christianity, the religion of my fathers, and for its rights, its usages and observances.

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

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.