[W]e must extend the authority of the Union to the persons of the citizens - the only proper objects of government.

People sometimes attribute my success to my genius; all the genius I know anything about is hard work.

It is presumable that no country will be able to borrow of foreigners upon better terms than the United States, because none can, perhaps, afford so good security.

Give all the power to the many, they will oppress the few. Give all the power to the few, they will oppress the many.

Common interest may always be reckoned upon as the surest bond of sympathy.

Every nation ought to have a right to provide for its own happiness.

I expect we shall be told, that the Militia of the country is its natural bulwark, and would be at all times equal to the national defence...The facts, which from our own experience forbid a reliance of this kind, are too recent to permit us to be the dupes of such a suggestion.