For the first time in history the phenomenon occurs that the people rise up and demand to be taxed.

It is a patriotic cry, because the people believe further taxation essential to the national credit and the safety of the country.

It is said we need some hundred million dollars more; and yet, in the face of this asserted necessity, and in the face of that generous demand from every part of the country, which Congress should make haste to gratify, it is now urged…

Unquestionably there is a great demand to have Slavery abolished everywhere, thank God!

But another demand at this moment is to make the war practical and efficient by all needed supplies; and, as I have said, the people, for the first time in history, ask to be taxed.

It will be simply an act of madness for Congress to adjourn without passing bills for large additional taxes, and such other measures as the existing financial crisis demands.

Surely I am right in saying that Congress ought not to turn a deaf ear to this unprecedented prayer.

For myself, I wish not only to consider it, but to supply the desired taxation, and I ask that Congress shall continue in these seats until the good work is done.

The great contest in which we are engaged depends not only upon General Grant in the field, but upon Congress also.

If Congress fails to supply the needed means, vain is victory, vain are all the toils of many hard-fought fields.

It is through these means supplied by Congress that the future will be secure.

On such an occasion, when perhaps the life of the country is in question, when surely the national credit is at stake, err, if err you must, on the side of prudence.

Lord Bacon tells us, in striking and most suggestive phrase, “The duties of life are more than life.” But if ever there was a time when the duties of a Senator were supreme above all other things, so that temptation of all kinds should be…

It is not for any public exigency; it is not to pass any great measure; it is not to comply with any requirement of the Constitution; but simply to satisfy your own desires or predilections to leave Washington on Monday.

Hearts overflow, eyes glisten, the voice cries out with gladness, the heart echoes to the booming cannon, and victory thrills us all with its bewitching, triumphant music.

This, Sir, is the time to rejoice: for there is a time to lament, and there is a time also to enjoy; and this is a time for joy.

Blow, bugles, blow! set all your wild notes flying!

Unhappy those who, as they listen to the triumphant salvos, to the swelling music, and to these exultant voices here to-night, cannot echo them back with gladness in their hearts!

The wise monarch clearly perceived that a woman ready to see her child divided in two was a false mother: so may we all clearly perceive that people ready to see their country divided in two are false citizens.

The judgment of Solomon stands good to this hour, against all showing such perfidious insensibility.

Peace is the sentiment, the longing, the passion of my life.

The Rebellion is but Slavery in arms, whether on land or on sea; on foot, on horseback, or afloat, it is ever belligerent Slavery, warring to establish a wicked empire.

If you are ready to strike Rebellion, you must be ready to strike Slavery.

If you are ready to strike Slavery, you must be ready to strike Rebellion.

If Slavery dies, the Union lives; if Slavery lives, the Union dies.