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

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

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.

The power given by the Constitution to the Executive to interpose his veto is a high conservative power; but in my opinion it should never be exercised except in cases of clear violation of the Constitution, or manifest haste and want of due consideration by Congress.

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.

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

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