God knows that I detest slavery, but it is an existing evil, for which we are not responsible, and we must endure it, till we can get rid of it without destroying the last hope of free government in the world.

Nations, like individuals in a state of nature, are equal and independent, possessing certain rights and owing certain duties to each other.

God knows that I detest slavery, but it is an existing evil, for which we are not responsible, and we must endure it, till we can get rid of it without destroying the last hope of free government in the world.

It would be judicious to act with magnanimity towards a prostrate foe.

Church and state should be separate, not only in form, but fact - religion and politics should not be mingled.

I am tolerant of all creeds. Yet if any sect suffered itself to be used for political objects I would meet it by political opposition. In my view church and state should be separate, not only in form, but fact. Religion and politics should not be mingled.

The ability to produce every necessity of life renders us independent in war as well as in peace.