I would not be the mere President of a Party. I feel bound to administer the government untrammeled by party schemes.

I am not a party candidate, and if elected cannot be President of a party, but the President of the whole people.

I regret nothing, but I am sorry that I am about to leave my friends.

I shall pursue a straight forward course deviating neither to the right or left so that comes what may I hope my real friends will never have to blush for me, so far as truth, honesty & fair dealings are concerned.

The idea that I should become President seems to me too visionary to require a serious answer. It has never entered my head, nor is it likely to enter the head of any other person.

In the discharge of duties my guide will be the Constitution, which I this day swear to preserve, protect, and defend.

May the boldest fear and the wisest tremble when incurring responsibilities on which may depend our country's peace and prosperity, and in some degree the hopes and happiness of the whole human family.