William Seward: “Sink or swim, live or die, survive or perish with my country is my unalterable determination.”

It depends not on the zeal and firmness only of the reformers, but on their wisdom and moderation also.

That freedom and that security required that the nations of Europe should relax their grasp on the American Continent.

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.

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