William Lloyd Garrison: “Not a single slave will I leave in his chains, on any conditions, or under any circumstances.”

It is not a struggle for national salvation; for the nation, as such, seems doomed beyond recovery.

Hence, I cannot but regard oppression in every form--and most of all, that which turns a man into a thing--with indignation and abhorrence.

I will not be a liar, a poltroon, or a hypocrite, to accommodate any party, to gratify any sect, to escape any odium or peril, to save any interest, to preserve any institution, or to promote any object.

Cotton is in their ears--blinds are over their eyes--padlocks are upon their lips.