I am not only retired from all public employments, but I am retiring within myself, and shall be able to view the solitary walk and tread the paths of private life with heartfelt satisfaction.

We must take human nature as we find it, perfection falls not to the share of mortals.

The unity of government which constitutes you one people is also now dear to you. It is justly so, for it is a main pillar in the edifice of your real independence, the support of your tranquility at home, your peace abroad, of your safety, of your prosperity, of that very liberty which you so highly prize.

To please everybody is impossible; were I to undertake it, I should probably please nobody.

..the establishment of Civil and Religious Liberty was the Motive that induced me to the field of battle.

It is too probable that no plan we propose will be adopted. Perhaps another dreadful conflict is to be sustained. If, to please the people, we offer what we ourselves disprove, how can we afterwards defend our work? Let us raise a standard to which the wise and the honest can repair. The event is in the hand of God.

I can never think of promoting my convenience at the expense of a friend's interest and inclination.