We have no lasting friends, no lasting enemies, only lasting interests.

The middle road [dynamic conservatism] is a kind of path that is always difficult to defend, or at least requires intelligent explanation to defend, because you get your attacks from both flanks. And no commander going into battle of any kind likes to be compelled to fight on both flanks.

Plainly, the central idea of secession, is the essence of anarchy.

I have never had a feeling politically that did not spring from the sentiments embodied in the Declaration of Independence.

Stand by your principles; stand by your guns; and victory complete and permanent is sure at the last.

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.