All we ask is to be let alone.

Upon my weary heart was showered smiles, plaudits and flowers, but beyond them I saw troubles and thorns innumerable.

We protest solemnly in the face of mankind, that we desire peace at any sacrifice, save that of honor.

Nothing fills me with deeper sadness than to see a Southerner apologizing for the defense we made of our inheritance.

Truthfulness is a cornerstone in character, and if it be not firmly laid in youth, there will ever after be a weak spot in the foundation.

I tried all in my power to avert this war. I saw it coming, for twelve years I worked night and day to prevent it, but I could not. The North was mad and blind; it would not let us govern ourselves, and so the war came, and now it must go on unless you acknowledge our right to self government. We are not fighting for slavery. We are fighting for Independence.

It is a duty we owe to posterity to see that our children shall know the virtues, and rise worthy of their sires.