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The leading public men of the South, in our early history, were almost all against it. Jefferson was against it. This I freely admit, when the authority of their names is cited. It was a question which they did not, and perhaps could not, thoroughly understand at that time.

— Alexander H. Stephens

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More quotes by Alexander H. Stephens

I never would submit to any Black Republican.

African slavery as it exists amongst us; the proper status of the negro in our form of civilization. This was the immediate cause of the late rupture and present revolution.

The Cornerstone Speech (1861)

The process of disintegration in the old Union may be expected to go on with almost absolute certainty if we pursue the right course.

The Cornerstone Speech (1861)

We have intelligence, and virtue, and patriotism. All that is required is to cultivate and perpetuate these.

The Cornerstone Speech (1861)

With us, all of the white race, however high or low, rich or poor, are equal in the eye of the law. Not so with the negro. Subordination is his place.

The Cornerstone Speech (1861)

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Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: Alexander H. Stephens (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.