I have always done my duty. I am ready to die. My only regret is for the friends I leave behind me.

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

For more than half a century... this Union has stood unshaken. Whatever dangers may threaten it, I shall stand by it and maintain it in its integrity to the full extent of the obligations imposed and the powers conferred upon me by the Constitution.

Stop your nonsense and drink your whiskey!

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

My life has been devoted to arms, yet I look upon war at all times, and under all circumstances, as a national calamity to be avoided if compatible with national honor.

The Bible is the best of books, and I wish it were in the hands of every one. It is indispensable to the safety and permanence of our institutions. A free government can not exist without religion and morals, and there cannot be morals without religion. Especially should the Bible be placed in the hands of the young. It is the best school book in the world. I would that all our people were brought up under the influence of that holy book.