1,780 Quotes by Abraham Lincoln

Why should there be a patient confidence in the ultimate justice of the people? Is there any better or equal hope in the world? In our present differences is either party without faith of being in the right? If the Almighty Ruler of Nations, with his eternal truth and justice, be on on your side of the North, or on yours of the South, that truth and that justice will surely prevail by the judgement of this great tribunal of the American people.

I have no speech to make to you, and no time to speak in. I appear before you that I may see you, and that you may see me; and I am willing to admit that so far as the ladies are concerned, I have the best of the bargain, though I wish it to be understood that I do not make the same acknowledgement concerning the men.

I rejoice with you in the success, which has thus far attended the cause. Yet in all our rejoicings, let us neither express nor cherish any hard feelings toward any citizen who by his vote has differed with us. Let us at all times remember that all American citizens are brothers of a common country, and should dwell together in the bonds of fraternal feeling.

October 19th. (To Miss Grace Bedell) Your very agreeable letter of the 15th is received. I regret the necessity to of saying I have no daughter. I have three sons--one seventeen, one nine, and one seven. They with their mother constitute my whole family. As to the whiskers, having never worn any, do you not think people would call it a piece of silly affection if I were to begin now?

September 22nd. [1860] (To Mrs. M. J. Green) Your kind congratulatory letter of August was received in due course, and should have been answered sooner. The truth is I have never corresponded much with ladies; and hence I postpone writing letters to them, as a business which I do not understand. I can only say now I thank you for the good opinion you express of me, fearing, at the same time, I may not be able to maintain it through life.

[September] 27th [1862] I happened to be placed, being a humble instrument in the hands of our Heavenly Father, as I am, and as we all are, to work out His great purposes, I have desired that all my works and acts may be according to His will, and that it might be so, I have sought His aid; but if, after endeavoring to do my best in the light which He affords me, I find my efforts fail, I must believe that for some purpose unknown to me, He wills it otherwise.

[September] 27th [1862] If I had had my way, this war would never have been commenced.

I do not wish you to believe that I assume to be any better than others who have gone before me.

January 18th. Georgia secedes [from the union].21st. Withdrawal from the Senate of Jefferson Davis and other southern senators.26th. (To Mrs. C. W. Pratt) Herewith I send you my autograph, which you request.26th. Louisiana secedes.