There are some who lack confidence in the integrity and capacity of the people to govern themselves. To all who entertain such fears I will most respectfully say that I entertain none. If man is not capable, and is not to be trusted with the government of himself, is he to be trusted with the government of others? Who, then, will govern? The answer must be, Man - for we have no angels in the shape of men, as yet, who are willing to take charge of our political affairs.

When I die, I desire no better winding sheet than the Stars and Stripes, and no softer pillow than the Constitution of my country.

I feel incompetent to perform duties...which have been so unexpectedly thrown upon me.

Whenever you hear a man prating about the Constitution, spot him as a traitor.

Let them impeach and be damned.

Tyranny and despotism can be exercised by many, more rigorously, more vigorously, and more severely, than by one.

I hold it the duty of the executive to insist upon frugality in the expenditure, and a sparing economy is itself a great national source.