I shall always think of myself first and foremost... as a hunter.

You have confidence in yourself, which is valuable, if not an indispensable quality.

If there is anything that links the human to the divine, it is the courage to stand by a principle when everybody else rejects it.

Upon the subject of education, not presuming to dictate any plan or system respecting it, I can only say that I view it as the most important subject which we as a people can be engaged in. That every man may receive at least a moderate education...appears to be an object of vital importance...

Discourage litigation. Persuade your neighbors to compromise whenever you can. As a peacemaker the lawyer has superior opportunity of being a good man. There will still be business enough.

Quarrel not at all. No man resolved to make the most of himself can spare time for personal contention.

In a certain sense, and to a certain extent, he [the president] is the representative of the people. He is elected by them, as well as congress is. But can he, in the nature [of] things, know the wants of the people, as well as three hundred other men, coming from all the various localities of the nation? If so, where is the propriety of having a congress?