Team of Rivals

"'Our progress in degeneracy appears to me to be pretty rapid.  As a nation, we begin by declaring that 'all men are created equal.'  We now practically read it 'all men are created equal, except negroes.'  When the Know-Nothings get control, it will read 'all men are created equal, except negroes, and foreigners, and catholics.'  When it comes to this I should prefer emigrating to some country where they make no pretence of loving liberty - to Russia, for instance.'"  (Lincoln to Speed)  (180-181)