Abraham Lincoln: “It is maintained in violence, because the elections since clearly demand its repeal, and the demand is openly…”

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

Unlike a case of war between independent nations, there is no organized organ for us to treat with,--no one man has authority to give up the rebellion for any other man.

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.

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