Abraham Lincoln: “In obedience to the resolution of the Senate of the 28th of January last, I communicate herewith a report, with…”

I do the very best I know how--the very best I can; and I mean to keep doing so until the end.

As a general rule I abstain from reading the reports of attacks upon myself, wishing not to be provoked by that to which I cannot properly offer an answer.

Important principles may and must be inflexible.

If the end brings me out all right, what is said against me won't amount to anything.