"Under the authority of an act of Congress to revive the grade of lieutenant-general in the United States Army, approved February 29, 1864, Lieutenant-General Ulysses S. Grant, United States Army, is assigned to the command of the armies of the United States."
"I deem it proper to add that on the 17th day of November last an Executive order was made upon this subject and delivered to the vice-president of the Union Pacific Railroad Company."
"Since then the company has represented to me that upon actual surveys made it has determined upon the precise point of departure of their said branch road from the Missouri River."
"I have made the order of which a copy is herewith, and caused the same to be filed in the Department of the Interior."
"I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, do, upon the application of the said company designate and establish such first above-named point on the western boundary of the State of Iowa east ..."
"it is directed that the order aforesaid may be carried into effect"
"The time comes upon every public man when it is best for him to keep his lips closed."
"Without the assistance of that God, I cannot succeed."
"Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing."
"The better part of one's life consists of his friendships."
"Public sentiment is everything. With public sentiment, nothing can fail; without it nothing can succeed."