The theory of government changes with general progress.

The will of the people is the best law.

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.

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

It does look like a very good exercise. But what is the little white ball for?

...but for a soldier his duty is plain. He is to obey the orders of all those placed over him and whip the enemy wherever he meets him.

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