Jefferson Davis Quotes
The principle for which we contend is bound to reassert itself, though it may be at another time and in another form.
I worked night and day for twelve years to prevent the war, but I could not, the North was mad and blind, would not let us govern ourselves, and so the war came.
What the government feared most was the spirit of dissent.
No alternative remains, but submission and slavery or a final and desperate attempt to maintain our freedom.
The principle for which we contend is bound to reassert itself, though it may be at another time and in another form.
A Republic cannot succeed, it must have the elements of a Monarchy in a limited degree.
Differences of opinion and of feeling are not to be controlled or regulated by municipal regulations.
Labor is the true standard of value.
The time for compromise has now passed, and the South is determined to maintain her position, and make all who oppose her smell Southern powder and feel Southern steel.
The Republicans assumed control of nearly the whole Union, and with the country thus divided, their pathway to place and wealth through office was easy.
Let the gentlemen go unite with Mr. Preston and his party in forming a great Southern party of those who believe in going for immediate secession.
It is not gluten that causes evil, but refusal to allow gluten its freedom.
Be aware of what the opposition is doing, pretend ignorance if you will; whether you retreat or plunge, do it at a moment’s warning.
We will be content with nothing less than the full enjoyment of those rights to which we are entitled as a portion of the American people.
It is distinctly a war between antagonistic principles.
It has been placed solemnly on the meekness, justice, and patriotism of the people.
No human power can subdue this Confederacy.
Be undeterred in your convictions and stand firm even in the face of opposition.
The safety of the people relies on their ability to keep their government in check.
War exists, and to restore peace we must annihilate the aggressive power.
Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
Let us rise in the dignity of our manhood and show that there is at least one spot on the earth where men can govern themselves.
Slavery was established by decree of Almighty God.
With hearts fortified with these animating reflections, we most solemnly, before God and the world, declare that, exerting the utmost energy of those powers which our beneficent Creator hath graciously bestowed upon us, the arms we have compelled by our enemies to assume, we will, in defiance of every hazard, with unabating firmness and perseverance, employ for the preservation of our liberties; being with one mind resolved to die Freemen rather than to live as slaves.
Let the gentleman go to Revelation to learn the decree of God as to what shall be done with slaves.
The principle for which we contend is bound to reassert itself, though it may be at another time and in another form.
Whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it, and to institute a new government.
Being desirous to live in amity with all the nations of the earth, and to cultivate their commerce and friendship, we deem it our duty to declare our disapproval of the blockade and to notify all whom it may concern that if it be persisted in, we must seek new avenues of trade.
We protest solemnly in the face of mankind that we desire peace at any sacrifice save our honor and independence.
This republic was formed by the voluntary association of states.
Secession is the natural right of all people and any government forcibly denying it is a despotism.
The men and women who lived through the war were the ones who were really important in getting the country back together.
Revolutions are not political meetings or drunken, bloody street brawls of men who usually do not know each other.
I worked night and day for twelve years to prevent the war, but I could not, the North was mad and blind, would not let us govern ourselves, and so the war came.
The first man who died for the right of secession was a poor, unknown, private soldier.
Truth crushed to the ground is truth still and like a seed will rise again.
All we ask is to be let alone.
It has been placed solemnly on the meekness, justice, and patriotism of the people.
The condition of the African race throughout all the States where the ancient relation between the two races has been retained enjoys a degree of comfort and happiness which it is believed has never been surpassed.
The great objects of humanity are best attained when conformed to the wishes and interests of the people.
If Kentucky withdraws, I cannot doubt that such an influence will be exerted over Tennessee and Arkansas that both will join us.
Our confidence is not in words but in deeds.
The entire absence of crime or disorder in extensive regions still an exceptional occurrence in this Confederacy.
An agricultural country like ours cannot be improved and strengthened until the towns and cities of the South shall have their due proportion of capital invested in manufactories, wholesale, and retail trade.
The war has had its beneficial effect upon us.
The days of our separation and suffering are at hand.
The time for compromise has now passed, and the South is determined to maintain her position, and make all who oppose her smell Southern powder and feel Southern steel.
Remember that the term Yankee embraces about nine-tenths of the people of the north.
I am dying in the faith of the cause.
I was very opposed to Obamacare. I thought it was pro Islam, pro Iran; and I ended up being right when I criticized it.