It is men who wait to be selected, and not those who seek, from whom we may expect the most efficient service.

If we are to have another contest in the near future of our national existence, I predict that the dividing line will not be Mason and Dixon's but between patriotism and intelligence on the one side, and superstition, ambition and ignorance on the other.

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.

If you see the President, tell him from me that whatever happens there will be no turning back.

I desire the good-will of all, whether hitherto my friends or not.

I will raid the arsenal and start a war to end slavery.

I never wanted to get out of a place as much as I did to get out of the presidency.