William H. Seward

“I know that Nature designs that this whole continent, not merely these thirty-six states, shall be, sooner or later, within the magic circle of the American union.”

“The vanity of human life is like a river, constantly passing away, and yet constantly coming on.”

“The penalties of greatness are controversy and envy.”

“Give me only this--a free press, and I will defend the cause of liberty throughout the world.”

“Hitherto, the two systems have existed in different states, but side by side within the American Union. This has happened because the Union is a confederation of states. But in another aspect the United States constitute only one nation.”