Zachary Taylor

“It would be judicious to act with magnanimity towards a prostrate foe.”

“In the discharge of duties my guide will be the Constitution, which I this day swear to 'preserve, protect, and defend'.”

“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 consideration by Congress.”

“I have always done my duty. I am ready to die. My only regret is for the friends I leave behind me.”

“I am not a party candidate, and if elected cannot be President of a party, but the President of the whole people.”

“We are at peace with all the world, and seek to maintain our cherished relations of amity with the rest of mankind.”

“For more than half a century, during which kingdoms and empires have fallen, this Union has stood unshaken.”

“I have no private purpose to accomplish, no party objectives to build up, no enemies to punish—nothing to serve but my country.”

“God knows that I have endeavored to fulfill my duty to my country, and if this is my last hour, I have no regret.”

“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 the national honor.”