I wished that I were the owner of every southern slave, that I might cast off the shackles from their limbs, and witness the rapture which would excite them in the first dance of their freedom. — Thaddeus Stevens Copy Share Image
The whole fabric of southern society must be changed, and never can it be done if this opportunity is lost. Without this, this government can never be, as it never has been, a true republic. — Thaddeus Stevens Copy Share Image
I care not whether the soldiers are of Milesian, Teutonic, African or Angelo-Saxon descent. I despise the principle that make a difference between them… — Thaddeus Stevens Copy Share Image
I can never acknowledge the right of slavery. I will bow down to no deity however worshipped by professing Christians - however dignified by… — Thaddeus Stevens Copy Share Image
I will be satisfied if my epitaph shall be written thus: 'Here lies one who never rose to any eminence, who only courted the… — Thaddeus Stevens Copy Share Image
The greatest measure of the nineteenth century was passed by corruption, aided and abetted by the purest man in America. — Thaddeus Stevens Copy Share Image
I don’t hold with equality in all things only with equality before the law and nothing more. — Thaddeus Stevens Copy Share Image
Every humane and patriotic heart must grieve to see a bloody and causeless rebellion, costing thousands of human lives and millions of treasure. But… — Thaddeus Stevens Copy Share Image
Strip the proud nobility of their bloated estates, reduce them to a level with plain republicans, send forth to labor, and teach their children… — Thaddeus Stevens Copy Share Image
I wish the Indians had newspapers of their own. If they had, you would have horrible pictures of the cold-blooded murders of inoffensive Indians. — Thaddeus Stevens Copy Share Image
“Do you inquire why, holding these views and possessing some will of my own, i accept so imperfect a proposition? I answer, because I… — Thaddeus Stevens Copy Share Image
There can be no fanatics in the cause of genuine liberty. Fanaticism is excessive zeal. There may be, and have been fanatics in false… — Thaddeus Stevens Copy Share Image
