James Buchanan
Quotations

"If you are as happy entering the presidency as I am in leaving it, then you are truly a happy man."

- To Abraham Lincoln, as they were riding down Pennsylvania Avenue to Lincoln's 1861 inauguration.

 

"The test of leadership is not to put greatness into humanity, but to elicit it, for the greatness is already there."

 

"What is right and what is practicable are two different things."

 

"Whatever the result may be, I shall carry to my grave the consciousness that I at least meant well for my country."

- From his autobiography.

 

"I like the noise of democracy."

 

"I am now "solitary and alone," having no companion in the house with me. I have gone a wooing to several gentlemen, but have not succeeded with any one of them. I feel that it is not good for man to be alone; and should not be astonished to find myself married to some old maid who can nurse me when I am sick, provide good dinners for me when I am well, and not expect from me any very ardent or romantic affection."

- Letter to Mrs Roosevelt, 1844

 

"I had hoped for the nomination in 1844, again in 1848, and even in 1852, but now I would hesitate to take it. Before many years the abolitionists will bring war upon this land. It may come during the next presidential term."