- Mary Todd Lincoln: [Frustrated by Lincoln's friendliness] Sometimes I think you could be polite to Satan on Sunday.
- Abraham Lincoln: [Lincoln hopes for an 1864 reelection nomination] Well, I still believe I have the support of the people.
- Gideon Welles: I believe that too, but the people don't nominate; politicians do!
- Salmon P. Chase: [Discussing Lincoln] I feel it's unfortunately true that his habit of continually joking has deeply affected his image with the people. Mr. Cooke, I can't tell you how exasperating it is when I am trying to focus discussion on some serious national problem to have the president interrupt with some grotesque story! It's no wonder the people have lost respect for him.