All this has been my fault.

It is good that war is so horrible, or we might grow to like it.

I can anticipate no greater calamity for the country than the dissolution of the Union. It would be an accumulation of all the evils we complain of, and I am willing to sacrifice everything but honor for its preservation.

Act with a determination not to be turned aside by thoughts of the past and fears of the future.

I did only what my duty demanded. I could have taken no other course without dishonor.

Postal officials say that before Christmas they receive tons of letters written to Santa Claus, but after Christmas how few letters of thanks are sent to him! From childhood onward, human beings seem to be characterized by thanklessness.

I consider the proper education of our youths one of the most important objects now to be attained and one from which the greatest benefits may be expected.