My opinion is that no state can, in any way lawfully, get out of the Union, without the consent of the others; and that it is the duty of the President, and other government functionaries to run the machine as it is.

What is our present condition? We have just carried an election on principles fairly stated to the people. Now we are told in advance, the government shall be broken up, unless we surrender to those we have beaten, before we take the offices.

The people of the South have too much of good sense, and good temper, to attempt the ruin of the government ... At least, so I hope and believe.

I shall do nothing in malice. What I deal with is too vast for malicious dealing.

In great contests, each party claims to act in accordance with the will of God. Both may be, and one must be, wrong.

The North responds to the proclamation sufficiently in breath; but breath alone kills no rebels.