I have no other view than to promote the public good, and am unambitious of honors not founded in the approbation of my Country.

I can only say that there is not a man living who wishes more sincerely than I do to see a plan adopted for the abolition of slavery.

Mankind, when left to themselves, are unfit for their own government.

To be prepared for war is one of the most effective means of preserving peace.

My first wish is to see this plague of mankind, war, banished from the earth.

Truth will ultimately prevail where there is pains to bring it to light.

Worry is the interest paid by those who borrow trouble.

True friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity, before it is entitled to the appellation.

There can be no greater error than to expect, or calculate, upon real favors from nation to nation. It is an illusion which experience must cure, which a just pride ought to discard.

The very atmosphere of firearms anywhere and everywhere restrains evil interference - they deserve a place of honor with all that's good.

The time is near at hand which must determine whether Americans are to be free men or slaves.

The marvel of all history is the patience with which men and women submit to burdens unnecessarily laid upon them by their governments.

The foolish and wicked practice of profane cursing and swearing is a vice so mean and low that every person of sense and character detests and despises it.

My observation is that whenever one person is found adequate to the discharge of a duty... it is worse executed by two persons, and scarcely done at all if three or more are employed therein.

The Constitution is the guide which I never will abandon.