I only knew what was in my mind, and I wished to express it clearly

The framers of our Constitution firmly believed that a republican government could not endure without intelligence and education generally diffused among the people. The Father of his Country, in his Farewell Address, uses this language: Promote, then, as an object of primary importance, institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge. In proportion as the structure of a government gives force to public opinion, it is essential that public opinion should be enlightened.

The friend in my adversity I shall always cherish most. I can better trust those who have helped to relieve the gloom of my dark hours than those who are so ready to enjoy with me the sunshine of my prosperity.

i have never advocated war except as a mean of peace

The distant rear of an army engaged in battle is not the best place from which to judge correctly what is going on in front.

There are but few important events in the affairs of men brought about by their own choice.

It is preposterous to suppose that the people of one generation can lay down the best and only rules of government for all who are to come after them, and under unforeseen contingencies.

No personal consideration should stand in the way of performing a public duty.

The friend of my adversity I shall always cherish most. I can better trust those who helped to relieve the gloom of my dark hours than those who are so ready to enjoy with me the sunshine of my prosperity.

Let no guilty man escape if it can be avoided. No personal consideration should stand in the way of performing a public duty.

I know of no method to secure the repeal of bad or obnoxious laws so effective as their stringent execution.

I know no method to secure the repeal of bad or obnoxious laws so effective as their stringent execution.

Everyone has his superstitions. One of mine has always been when I started to go anywhere or to do anything never to turn back or to stop until the thing intended was accomplished.

I have never advocated war except as a means of peace.

I propose to fight it out on this line if it takes all Summer.

Labor disgraces no man unfortunately you occasionally find men who disgrace labor.