In 1856...I preferred the success of a candidate whose election would prevent or postpone secession, to seeing the country plunged into a war the end of which no man could foretell. With a Democrat elected by the unanimous vote of the Slave States, there could be no pretext for secession for four years.... I therefore voted for James Buchanan as President.

Cheap cigars come in handy; they stifle the odor of cheap politicians.

I propose to fight it out on this line if it takes all summer.

The distant rear of an army engaged in battle is not the best place from which to judge correctly what is going on in front.

The right of revolution is an inherent one. When people are oppressed by their government, it is a natural right they enjoy to relieve themselves of oppression, if they are strong enough, whether by withdrawal from it, or by overthrowing it and substituting a government more acceptable.

The United States, knowing no distinction of her own citizens on account of religion or nationality, naturally believes in a civilization the world over which will secure the same universal laws.

I know only two tunes: one of them is "Yankee Doodle" and the other isn't.