Whatever the result may be, I shall carry to my grave the consciousness that I at least meant well for my country.

I like the noise of democracy.

The course of events is so rapidly hastening forward that the emergency may soon arise when you may be called upon to decide the momentous question whether you possess the power by force of arms to compel a State to remain in the Union

Abstract propositions should never be discussed by a legislative body.

To avoid entangling alliances has been a maxim of our policy ever since the days of Washington, and its wisdom no one will attempt to dispute.

The Government of the United States possesses no power whatever over the question of religion.

The distribution of patronage of the Government is by far the most disagreeable duty of the President.