From the earliest ages of history to the present day there never have been thirteen millions of people associated in one political body who enjoyed so much freedom and happiness as the people of these United States. You have no longer any cause to fear danger from abroad... It is from within, among yourselves - from cupidity, from corruption, from disappointed ambition and inordinate thirst for power.

In a free government the demand for moral qualities should be made superior to that of talents.

Finally, it is my most fervent prayer to that Almighty Being before whom I now stand, and who has kept us in His hands from the infancy of our Republic to the present day, that He will so overrule all my intentions and actions and inspire the hearts of my fellow-citizens that we may be preserved from dangers of all kinds and continue forever a united and happy people.

Money is power, and in that government which pays all the public officers of the states will all political power be substantially concentrated.

This season has been full of rewards. The dinners and banquets just keep on coming. It's great. We want to carry it on as long as we can.

Be good children, and we shall all meet in Heaven. I want to meet you all, white and black, in Heaven. Our Federal Union! It must be preserved! [Toast at a celebration of Thomas Jefferson's birthday, April 13 1830]

I have never in my life seen a Kentuckian who didn't have a gun, a pack of cards, and a jug of whiskey.