The presidency, even to the most experienced politicians, is no bed of roses.

If this country cannot be saved without giving up that principle - I was about to say I would rather be assassinated on this spot than to surrender it.

Wise councils may accelerate or mistakes delay it, but, sooner or later the victory is sure to come

What a terrible era in which idiots govern the blind.

My paramount object in this struggle is to save the Union ... If I could save the Union without freeing any slave... if I could save it by freeing all the slaves... I shall do more whenever I shall believe doing more will help the cause.

Stand with anybody that stands RIGHT. Stand with him while he is right and PART with him when he goes wrong.