William Seward: “Does it say that, before presenting a petition, you shall look into it, and see whether it comes from the virtuous, and…”

The perils of the enterprize are already passed--its difficulties have already been removed--when it shall have been accomplished it will be justly regarded as the last noble effort which rendered the Republic imperishable.

But power, confessedly derived from the people, must be exercised in obedience to their will, and must be resigned to them again, at least in death.

Let it be remembered, that it has ever been the pride and the boast of America, that the rights for which she contended were the rights of human nature.

By the blessing of the Author of those rights, they have prevailed over all opposition, and form the basis of thirteen independent States.