James Buchanan quotes

James Buchanan was the 15th president of the United States, serving from 1857 to 1861. His presidency was marked by increasing tensions over slavery that eventually led to the American Civil War. He is often criticized for his inability to prevent the country’s slide into conflict. Here are 15 of his quotes:

The ballot box is the surest arbiter of disputes among free men.

James Buchanan

Sir, if you are as happy in entering the White House as I shall feel on returning to Wheatland, you are a happy man indeed.

James Buchanan

I am the last President of the United States!

James Buchanan

I like the noise of democracy.

James Buchanan

Liberty must be allowed to work out its natural results; and these will, ere long, astonish the world.

James Buchanan

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

James Buchanan

The course of events is so rapidly hastening forward that the emergency may soon arise when you may be called upon to decide the momentous question whether you possess the power by force of arms to compel a State to remain in the Union.

James Buchanan

To avoid entangling alliances has been a maxim of our policy ever since the days of Washington, and its wisdom no one will attempt to dispute.

James Buchanan

I shall not again be a candidate for the Presidency...I shall be 65 on the 23rd April next, and I had determined upon my line of life from the remnant of days with which a kind Providence might bless me, discarding every idea of the Presidency...I can now leave public life, I trust, with credit. Should I become President, the case may be very different, after I shall have worn myself out with the toil and anxiety of the office.

James Buchanan

I feel that my duty has been faithfully, though it may be imperfectly, performed, and, whatever the result may be, I shall carry to my grave the consciousness that I at least meant well for my country.

James Buchanan

The question fairly stated is, Has the Constitution delegated to Congress the power to coerce a State into submission which is attempting to withdraw or has actually withdrawn from the Confederacy?

James Buchanan

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.

James Buchanan

It is said that serious apprehensions are to some extent entertained (in which I do not share) that the peace of this District may be disturbed before the 4th of March next. In any event, it will be my duty to preserve it, and this duty shall be performed. In conclusion it may be permitted to me to remark that I have often warned my countrymen of the dangers which now surround us. This may be the last time I shall refer to the subject officially. I feel that my duty has been faithfully, though it may be imperfectly, performed, and, whatever the result may be, I shall carry to my grave the consciousness that I at least meant well for my country.

James Buchanan