Quotes of All Topics . Occasions . Authors
If the people of Utah shall peacefully form a State Constitution tolerating polygamy, will the Democracy admit them into the Union?
Among the friends of Union, there is great diversity of sentiment and of policy in regard to slavery and the African race among us.
I am like a man so busy in letting rooms in one end of his house, that he can't stop to put out the fire that is burning the other.
I do not think I could myself, be brought to support a man for office, whom I knew to be an open enemy of, and scoffer at, religion.
Friends, I agree with you in Providence; but I believe in the Providence of the most men, the largest purse, and the longest cannon.
The press has no better friend than I am, no one who is more ready to acknowledge . . . its tremendous power for both good and evil.
Did Stanton say I was a damned fool? Then I dare say I must be one, for Stanton is generally right and he always says what he means.
The very spot where grew the bread that formed my bones, I see. How strange, old field, on thee to tread, and feel I'm part of thee.
I believe the declaration that ‘all men are created equal’ is the great fundamental principle upon which our free institutions rest.
No man has a right to judge Andrew Johnson in any respect who has not suffered as much and done as much as he for the Nation's sake.
Nobody has ever expected me to be President. In my poor, lean, lank face, nobody has ever seen that any cabbages were sprouting out.
The purposes of the Almighty are perfect, and must prevail, though we erring mortals may fail to accurately perceive them in advance.
You already know I desire that neither Father or Mother shall be in want of any comfort either in health or sickness while they live.
As a nation we began by declaring that all me are created equal. We now practically read it, all men are created equal except Negroes.
I wish all men to be free. I wish the material prosperity of the already free which I feel sure the extinction of slavery would bring.
You dislike the emancipation proclamation; and, perhaps, would have it retracted. You say it is unconstitutional - I think differently.
Let there be no compromise on the question of extending slavery. If there be, all our labor is lost, and, ere long, must be done again.
No country can sustain, in idleness, more than a small percentage of its numbers. The great majority must labor at something productive.
It behooves us then to humble ourselves before the offended Power to confess our national sins and to pray for clemency and forgiveness.
I have stepped out upon this platform that I may see you and that you may see me, and in the arrangement I have the best of the bargain.
Well, I wish some of you would tell me the brand of whiskey that Grant drinks. I would like to send a barrel of it to my other generals.
As to the whiskers, having never worn any, do you not think people would call it a piece of silly affectation if I were to begin it now?
I believe it is universally understood and acknowledged that all men will ever act correctly, unless they have a motive to do otherwise.
I want it said of me by those who knew me best, that I always plucked a thistle and planted a flower where I thought a flower would grow.
I think that God means that we shall do more than we have yet done in furtherance of his plans and he will open the way for our doing it.
No state, upon its own mere motion, can lawfully get out of the Union. Plainly, the central idea of secession, is the essence of anarchy.
I find quite as much material for a lecture in those points wherein I have failed, as in those wherein I have been moderately successful.
I have two great enemies, the Southern Army in front of me and the bankers in the rear. Of the two, the one at my rear is my greatest foe.
The Bible is not my book nor Christianity my profession. I could never give assent to the long, complicated statements of Christian dogma.
I could not sleep when I got on the hunt for an idea, until I had caught it. This was a kind of passion with me, and it has stuck with me.
A nation may be said to consist of its territory, its people, and its laws. The territory is the only part which is of certain durability.
With this honor devolves upon you also a corresponding responsibility. As the country herein trusts you, so under God it will sustain you.
If both factions, or neither, shall abuse you, you will probably be about right. Beware of being assailed by one and praised by the other.
The leading rule for the lawyer, as for the man of every other calling, is diligence. Leave nothing for to-morrow which can be done to-day.
If any man tells you he loves America, yet hates labor, he is a liar. If any man tells you he trusts America, yet fears labor, he is a fool.
I trust that as He shall further open the way, I will be ready to walk therein, relying on His help and trusting in His goodness and wisdom.
The government will support you to the utmost of its ability, which is neither more nor less than it has done and will do for allcommanders.
Standing as I do, with my hand upon this staff, and under the folds of the American flag, I ask you to stand by me so long as I stand by it.
I am now the most miserable man living. If what I feel were felt by the whole human race, there would not be one cheerful face left on earth.
It has so happened in all ages of the world that some have labored, and others have, without labor, enjoyed a large proportion of the fruits.
In any future great national trial, compared with the men of this, we shall have as weak, and as strong; as silly and as wise; asbad and good.
The Bible is not my book and Christianity is not my religion. I could never give assent to the long complicated statements of Christian dogma.
The strongest bond of human sympathy outside the family relation should be one uniting working people of all nations and tongues and kindreds.
I expect to maintain this contest until successful, or till I die, or am conquered, or my term expires, or Congress or the country forsakes me.
IF you are going to fight, don't let them talk you into negotiating. But, if you are going to negotiate, don't let them talk you into fighting.
I have got you together to hear what I have written down. I do not wish your advice about the main matterfor that I have determined for myself.
In this sad world of ours, sorrow comes to all, and it comes with bitter agony. Perfect relief is not possible, except with the passing of time.
I can only say that I have acted upon my best convictions, without selfishness or malice, and that by the help of God I shall continue to do so.
I was losing interest in politics, when the repeal of the Missouri Compromise aroused me again. What I have done since then is pretty well known.
Now, at the end of three years struggle the nation's condition is not what either party, or any man devised, or expected. God alone can claim it.