Frederick Douglass

Its meaning to me was the entire abolition of slavery, wherever the evil could be reached by the Federal arm, and I saw that its moral power would extend much further.

It was in my estimation an immense gain to have the war for the Union committed to the extinction of Slavery, even from a military necessity.

It only abolished slavery where it did not exist, and left it intact where it did exist.

Had Governor Seymour been loyal to his country, and to his country’s cause, in this her moment of need, he would have burned his tongue with a red hot iron sooner than allow it to call these thugs, thieves, and murderers his “friends.

In this way he proved himself to be not only a wise General, but a great man--one who could adjust himself to new conditions, and adopt the lessons taught by the events of the hour.

This quality in General Grant was and is made all the more conspicuous and striking in contrast with his West Point education and his former political associations; for neither West Point nor the Democratic party have been good schools in…

Lincoln was not only a great President, but a GREAT MAN--too great to be small in anything.

The son of common people, wealth and education had done little for him; but he had in him a true heart, and a world of common sense; and these with industry, good habits, and perseverance, had carried him further and lifted him higher…

It had reached that verge of madness when it had called upon the negro for help to fight against the freedom which he so longed to find, for the bondage he would escape--against Lincoln the Emancipator for Davis the enslaver.

But desperation discards logic as well as law, and the South was desperate.

The anti-slavery platform had performed its work, and my voice was no longer needed.

My separation had been as complete as if I had been an inhabitant of another planet.