All the genius I have lies in this when I have a subject in hand, I study it profoundly.

The greatest curse that can befall a free people, is civil war.

As a race, the African is inferior to the white man. Subordination to the white man is his normal condition. He is not his equal by nature and cannot be made so by human laws or human institutions. Our system, therefore, so far as regards this inferior race, rests upon this great immutable law of nature.

Away with the idea of getting independence first, and looking for liberty afterwards... Our liberties, once lost, may be lost forever.

Its foundations are laid, its cornerstone rests, upon the great truth that the negro is not equal to the white man that slavery . . . is his natural and normal condition.

Davis was weak and vascillating, timid, petulant, peevish, obstinate, but not firm.