All I am I owe to my mother.

I am persuaded, you will permit me to observe, that the path of true piety is so plain as to require but little political direction.

The great rule of conduct for us, in regard to foreign nations, is in extending our commercial relations to have as little political connection as possible... Why, by interweaving our destiny with that of any part of Europe, entangle our peace and prosperity in the toils of European ambition, rivalships, interest, humor, or caprice?... It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world.

There is a rank due to the United States among nations which will be withheld, if not absolutely lost, by the reputation of weakness.

The crisis is arrived when we must assert our rights, or submit to every imposition, that can be heaped upon us, till custom and use shall make us as tame and abject slaves, as the blacks we rule over with such arbitrary sway.

In the discharge of this trust I will only say that I have, with good intentions, contributed toward the organization and administration of the Government the best exertions of which a very fallible judgment was capable.

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