If we desire to avoid insult, we must be able to repel it; if we desire to secure peace, one of the most powerful instruments of our rising prosperity, it must be known, that we are at all times ready for War.

The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the Veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.

When we assumed the Soldier, we did not lay aside the Citizen.

Character enough of an opposite description ... My opinion is ... that you could as soon scrub the blackamore white, as to change the principles of a profest Democrat; and that he will leave nothing unattempted to overturn the Government of this Country.

[L]eave nothing to the uncertainty of procuring a warlike apparatus at the moment of public danger.

The Constitution is the guide which I never will abandon.

Government is not reason; it is not eloquent; it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master.