Category: Quote of the Day

You dislike the emancipation proclamation; and, perhaps, would have it retracted. You say it is unconstitutional — I think differently.”– Letter to James Conkling, August 26, 1863

You say you will not fight to free negroes. Some of them seem willing to fight for you; but, no matter. Fight you, then exclusively to save the Union.”– Letter to James Conkling, August 26, 1863

You think slavery is right and should be extended; while we think slavery is wrong and ought to be restricted. That I suppose is the rub. It certainly is the only substantial difference between us.”– Letter to Alexander H. Stephens, December 22, 1860

And then, there will be some black men who can remember that, with silent tongue, and clenched teeth, and steady eye, and well-poised bayonnet, they have helped mankind on to this great consummation…”– Letter to James Conkling, August 26, 1863

Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing.”– Letter to Isham Reavis, November 5, 1855

All creation is a mine, and every man a miner.”– Lecture on Discoveries, Inventions and Improvements, February 22, 1859

According to our ancient faith, the just powers of governments are derived from the consent of the governed.”– Speech at Peoria, October 16, 1854

A man watches his pear-tree day after day, impatient for the ripening of the fruit. Let him attempt to force the process and he may spoil both fruit and tree. But let him patiently wait, and the ripe pear at the length falls into his lap.”– Remarks made at White, circa February 1865

A house divided against itself cannot stand. I believe this government cannot endure permanently half-slave and half-free. I do not expect the Union to be dissolved – I do not expect the house to fall – but I do expect it will cease to be divided. It will become all one thing or all the… Continue reading Quote of the Day 25a

I believe the declaration that ‘all men are created equal’ is the great fundamental principle upon which our free institutions rest….”– Letter to James N. Brown, October 18, 1858