Lincoln Quotes

There are currently 559 quotes in our database.
Date Quote Topics Share
12/31/1862 It is not the qualified voters, but the qualified voters who choose to vote, that constitute the political power of the state. Topics: Freedom, Politics
01/02/1863 The U.S. government must not, as by this order, undertake to run the churches. When an individual, in a church or out of it, becomes dangerous to the public interest, he must be checked; but let the churches, as such take care of themselves. Topics: Religion, Politics
01/06/1863 To condemn a class is, to say the least, to wrong the good with the bad. I do not like to hear a class or nationality condemned on account of a few sinners. Topics: Morality
01/08/1863 I never did ask more, nor ever was willing to accept less, than for all the States, and the people thereof, to take and hold their places, and their rights, in the Union, under the Constitution of the United States. Topics: Politics, America
01/08/1863 Broken eggs can not be mended. I have issued the emancipation proclamation, and I can not retract it. Topics: Slavery, Leadership
01/14/1863 The [emancipation] proclamation has been issued. We were not succeeding – at best, were progressing too slowly – without it. Now, that we have it, and bear all the disadvantage of it, (as we do bear some in certain quarters) we must also take some benefit from it, if practicable. Topics: Slavery
02/02/1863 The resources, advantages, and powers of the America n people are very great, and they have, consequently, succeeded to equally great responsibilities. Topics: America, Morality
03/17/1863 There is powerful temptation in money. Topics: Economy
03/26/1863 The bare site of fifty thousand armed, and drilled black soldiers on the banks of the Mississippi, would end the rebellion at once. Topics: Civil War
04/15/1863 For the first [time] in the world, an attempt has been made to construct a new Nation ... to maintain, enlarge, and perpetuate human slavery. Topics: Slavery

Research and Collections

Research Division

Research activity including the Papers of Abraham Lincoln.

Oral History

Preserving the stories of Illinois' citizens through spoken word.

Collections

Delve into our collections about Lincoln and the Prairie State.

Social Links