De Alexander

What he believed came forcefully from a mind that formed its own judgments, and whether his words gave discomfort to the little souls that governed caucuses, or to the great journalists that sought to force their own policies, he was in no…

His power rested upon the strength of his character as a well-poised student of affairs.

The rift in the war cloud had, indeed, let in a flood of sunlight, and, while it lasted, gave fresh courage and larger faith.

Meanwhile, the loyal millions of the North, longing for victory in the field, found their prayers answered.

We are contending with an enemy who, as I understand, drives every able-bodied man he can reach into his ranks, very much as a butcher drives bullocks into a slaughter-pen.

In the minds of the American people the duty of obedience and the rights to protection are inseparable.

Will they now believe that defiance of law in the rulers breeds defiance of law in the people?

Or shall we do as our fathers did under circumstances of like trial, when they battled against the powers of a crown?

We can, if we will, avert all these disasters and evoke a blessing.

We only ask freedom of speech,--the right to exercise all the franchises conferred by the Constitution upon an American.

Must I shoot a simple-minded soldier boy who deserts, while I must not touch a hair of a wily agitator who induces him to desert?

I think the time not unlikely to come when I shall be blamed for having made too few arrests rather than too many....

I was slow to adopt the strong measures which by degrees I have been forced to regard as being within the exceptions of the Constitution and as indispensable to the public safety....

Having given it a generous support in the conduct of the war, we now pause to see what kind of government it is for which we are asked to pour out our blood and our treasure.

If this proceeding is approved by the government and sanctioned by the people, it is not merely a step toward revolution, it is revolution; it will not only lead to military despotism, it establishes military despotism.

Thoughtful men who reverenced the safeguard known to civil judicial proceedings were appalled.

He wanted no relations with a President who seemed to prefer the abolition of slavery and the use of arbitrary methods.

As to maintaining the nation's life and integrity, I assume and believe there cannot be a difference of purpose between you and me.

All must be made to feel that the mighty efforts we are making to save our Union are stimulated by a purpose to restore peace and prosperity in every section.

The policy of subjugation and extermination means not only the destruction of the lives and property of the South, but also the waste of the blood and treasure of the North.

We must not wear out the lives of our soldiers by a war to carry out vague theories.

The determination of the great Central and Western States is to defend the rights of the States, the rights of individuals, and to restore our Union as it was.

If the country lives, as I trust it will, let me be remembered among those who laboured to save it.

I would prefer that distinction to any honour my fellow-citizens could bestow upon me.

However, when the enemies of the Government seemed likely to carry all before them, he spoke for the Union like one divinely inspired.