If I can only live to see the American union firmly fixed, and free governments well established in our western world, and can leave to my children but a crust of bread and liberty, I shall die satisfied.

I begin to grow heartily tired of the etiquette and nonsense so fashionable in this city.

I retired from public Business from a thorough Conviction that it was not in my Power to do any Good, and very much disgusted with Measures, which appeared to me inconsistent with common Policy and Justice.

Government is, or ought to be instituted for the common benefit, protection, and security of the people, nation, or community; of all the various modes and forms of government, that is best which is capable of producing the greatest degree of happiness and safety, and is most effectually secured against the danger of maladministration.

The laws of nature are the laws of God, whose authority can be superseded by no power on earth.

The augmentation of slaves weakens the states; and such a trade is diabolical in itself, and disgraceful to mankind.

The poor despise labor when performed by slaves.