I am now considered such a monster, that I hesitate to darken with my shadow, the doors of those I love, lest I should bring upon them misfortune.

I think it better to do right, even if we suffer in so doing, than to incur the reproach of our consciences and posterity.

There are few, I believe, in this enlightened age, who will not acknowledge that slavery as an institution is a moral and political evil.

I tremble for my country when I hear of confidence expressed in me. I know too well my weakness, that our only hope is in God.

So far from engaging in a war to perpetuate slavery, I am rejoiced that slavery is abolished.

There is a true glory and a true honor: the glory of duty done--the honor of the integrity of principle.

We must enlist our own snake and strike like a cobra against their vitals with an attack on Washington.