We view ourselves on the eve of battle. We are nerved for the contest, and must conquer or perish. It is vain to look for present aid: none is at hand. We must now act or abandon all hope! Rally to the standard, and be no longer the scoff of mercenary tongues! Be men, be free men, that your children may bless their father's name.

Let me tell you what is coming. After the sacrifice of countless millions of treasure and hundreds of thousands of lives you may win Southern independence, but I doubt it. The North is determined to preserve this Union. They are not a fiery, impulsive people as you are, for they live in colder climates. But when they begin to move in a given direction, they move with the steady momentum and perseverance of a mighty avalanche.

The benefits of education and of useful knowledge, generally diffused through a community, are essential to the preservation of a free government.

I am aware that in presenting myself as the advocate of the Indians and their rights, I shall stand very much alone.

Texas has yet to learn submission to any oppression, come from what source it may.

Govern wisely, and as little as possible

I would give no thought of what the world might say of me, if I could only transmit to posterity the reputation of an honest man.