John Sherman: “We will resent the spread of slavery under whatever shape or color it may be attempted.”

During forty years of public life, though many able men have aspired to the office I hold, the people of Ohio, through their general assembly, have preferred me to represent them.

The events of the future are beyond the vision of mankind, but I hope our people will be content with internal growth, and avoid the complications of foreign acquisitions.

What I have written is no doubt clouded with partisanship, but I would not be honest if I did not express my attachment to my party.

Though my grateful thanks are due to them and have been often expressed, yet I have felt, as they do, that my duty was to the whole country.