I shall pursue a straight forward course deviating neither to the right or left so that comes what may I hope my real friends will never have to blush for me, so far as truth, honesty & fair dealings are concerned.
Let us invoke a continuance of the same protecting care which has led us from small beginnings to the eminence we this day occupy.
In the discharge of duties my guide will be the Constitution, which I this day swear to preserve, protect, and defend.
For more than half a century, during which kingdoms and empires have fallen, this Union has stood unshaken. The patriots who formed it have long since descended to the grave; yet still it remains, the proudest monument to their memory. . .
My life has been devoted to arms, yet I look upon war at all times, and under all circumstances, as a national calamity to be avoided if compatible with national honor.
The power given by the Constitution to the Executive to interpose his veto is a high conservative power; but in my opinion it should never be exercised except in cases of clear violation of the Constitution, or manifest haste and want of due consideration by Congress.
I regret nothing, but I am sorry that I am about to leave my friends.
A strong reputation is like a good bonfire. When you have one kindled it's easy to keep the flame burning, even if someone comes along and tries to piss on it. But if you fall asleep and neglect it...You'll wake up with ashes.
I am not a party candidate, and if elected cannot be President of a party, but the President of the whole people.
The Bible is the best of books, and I wish it were in the hands of every one. It is indispensable to the safety and permanence of our institutions. A free government can not exist without religion and morals, and there cannot be morals without religion. Especially should the Bible be placed in the hands of the young. It is the best school book in the world. I would that all our people were brought up under the influence of that holy book.
I will not say I would not serve if the good people were imprudent enough to elect me.
I have always done my duty. I am ready to die. My only regret is for the friends I leave behind me.
I have never yet exercised the privilege of voting, but had I been called upon at the last presidential election to do so, I should most certainly have cast my vote for Mr. Clay.
If elected, I would not be the mere president of a party - I would endeavor to act independent of party domination and should feel bound to administer the government untrammeled by party schemes.
I hope some compromise will be entered into between the two parties, slavery & antislavery, which will have the effect of allaying violent passions on both sides.
In all disputes between conflicting governments, it is our interest not less than our duty to remain strictly neutral.
I did not expect to encounter what has beset me since my elevation to the presidency. God knows, I have endeavored to fulfill what I considered to be an honest duty, but I have been mistaken; my motives have been misconstrued and my feelings grossly betrayed.
For more than a quarter of a century on active duty, my house has been my tent, and my home the battlefield.
Economy I consider a virtue & should be practiced by all; there is certainly no way in which money can be laid out than in the education of children.
