John Sherman: “Those who adhere closest to the law in this crisis are the best patriots.”

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.

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.

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.

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.