20 quotes
No, gentlemen, if I am to be shot at, I want no man to be in the way of the bullet.
Those damned sons of bitches thought they had me in a trap! I know that damned Douglass; he's just like any nigger, and he would sooner cut a white man's throat than not.
Andrew Johnson: A Profile (1969)
There are some who lack confidence in the integrity and capacity of the people to govern themselves.
Statement (1853)
Tyranny and despotism can be exercised by many, more rigourously, more vigourously, and more severely, than by one.
Whenever you hear a man prating about the Constitution, spot him as a traitor.
There are no good laws but such as repeal other laws.
Statement (1835)
The goal to strive for is a poor government but a rich people.
Plebeian and Patriot (1928)
I hold it the duty of the Executive to insist upon frugality in the expenditures, and a sparing economy is itself a great national resource.
Our Government springs from and was made for the people — not the people for the Government. To them it owes allegiance; from them it must derive its courage, strength, and wisdom.
Certainly the Government of the United States is a limited government, and so is every State government a limited government.
Notwithstanding a mendacious press; notwithstanding a subsidized gang of hirelings who have not ceased to traduce me, I have discharged all my official duties and fulfilled my pledges. And I say here tonight that if my predecessor had lived, the vials of wrath would have poured out upon him.
This is your country as well as anybody else's country. This country is founded upon the principle of equality. He that is meritorious and virtuous, intellectual and well informed, must stand highest, without regard to color.
To Union soldiers (1865)
Mr. Jefferson meant the white race.
I must be permitted to say that I have been almost overwhelmed by the announcement of the sad event which has so recently occurred. I feel incompetent to perform duties so important and responsible as those which have been so unexpectedly thrown upon me.
Legislation can neither be wise nor just which seeks the welfare of a single interest at the expense and to the injury of many and varied interests at least equally important and equally deserving the considerations of Congress.
I have had a son killed, a son-in-law die during the last battle of Nashville, another son has thrown himself away, a second son-in-law is in no better condition, I think I have had sorrow enough without having my bank account examined by a Committee of Congress.
I am a-goin' for to tell you here to-day; yes, I'm a-goin for to tell you all, that I'm a plebian! I glory in it; I am a plebian! The people — yes, the people of the United States have made me what I am; and I am a-goin' for to tell you here to-day — yes, to-day, in this place — that the people are everything.
Your President is now the Tribune of the people, and, thank God, I am, and intend to assert the power which the people have placed in me... Tyranny and despotism can be exercised by many, more rigorously, more vigorously, and more severely, than by one.
Presidential Government in the United States: The Unwritten Constitution (1947)
Colored men of Tennessee, humble and unworthy as I am, if no better shall be found I will indeed be your Moses and lead you through the Red Sea of war and bondage to a fairer future of liberty and peace. I speak now as one who feels the world his country and all who love equal rights his friends.
The Good Fight (1865)
It's a damn poor mind that can only think of one way to spell a word.
Misattributed