I know no method to secure the repeal of bad or obnoxious laws so effective as their stringent execution.

Nations, like individuals, are punished for their transgressions.

I have made it a rule of my life to trust a man long after other people gave him up, but I don't see how I can ever trust any human being again.

...I never heard him abuse an enemy. Some of the cruel things said about President Lincoln, particularly in the North, used to pierce him to the heart; but never in my presence did he evince a revengeful disposition.

In politics I am growing indifferent - I would like it, if I could now return to my planting and books at home

Venice would be a fine city if it were only drained.

Jesse has a new dog. You may have noticed that his former pets have been peculiarly unfortunate. When this dog dies every employee in the White House will be at once discharged.