I do not wish to shed a drop of blood, but ‘I must fight the course.’ Tis all that’s left to me.

The Government of the United States possesses no power whatever over the question of religion.

The storm of frenzy and faction must inevitably dash itself in vain against the unshaken rock of the Constitution.

Our union rests upon public opinion, and can never be cemented by the blood of its citizens shed in civil war.

I am the last President of the United States!

The ballot box is the surest arbiter of disputes among free men.

There is nothing stable but Heaven and the Constitution.

Whatever the result may be, I shall carry to my grave the consciousness that I at least meant well for my country.

I do not wish to shed a drop of blood, but 'I must fight the course.' Tis all that's left to me.

I have too great a soul to die like a criminal.

Tell mother, tell mother, I died for my country... useless... useless.

This county was formed for the white man, not for the black man.

The world may censure me for what I am about to do, but I am sure that posterity will justify me.

That means nigger citizenship!!!

That means negro citizenship … By God, that is the last speech he will ever make.

Sic temper tyranis! The South is avenged!

Lincoln’s talking nigger citizenship!

Our cause being almost lost, something decisive and great must be done.

God simply made me the instrument of his punishment.