I am just going. Have me decently buried; and do not let my body be put into the Vault in less than three days after I am dead.... Tis well.

Let your countenance be pleasant, but in serious matters let it be somewhat grave.

Human rights can only be assured among a virtuous people. The general government . . . can never be in danger of degenerating into a monarchy, an oligarchy, an aristocracy, or any despotic or oppresive form so long as there is any virtue in the body of the people.

The policy or advantage of [immigration] taking place in a body (I mean the settling of them in a body) may be much questioned; for, by so doing, they retain the language, habits, and principles (good or bad) which they bring with them. Whereas by an intermixture with our people, they, or their descendants, get assimilated to our customs, measures, and laws: in a word, soon become one people.

I can only say that there is not a man living who wishes more sincerely than I do to see a plan adopted for the abolition of slavery.

My manner of living is plain and I do not mean to be put out of it. A glass of wine and a bit of mutton are always ready.

Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be.