It is our policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world.

The situation of the general government, if it can be called a government, is shaken to its foundation, and liable to be overturned by every blast.

It is much easier at all times to prevent an evil than to rectify mistakes.

I am very glad to hear that the Gardener has saved so much of the St foin seed, & that of the India Hemp. Make the most you can of both, by sowing them again in drills... Let the ground be well prepared, and the Seed (St foin) be sown in April. The Hemp may be sown any where.

Jealousy, and local policy mix too much in all our public councils for the good government of the Union. In a words, the confederation appears to me to be little more than a shadow without the substance . . . .

Purity of morals [is] the only sure foundation of public happiness in any country.

The Constitution that we have is an excellent one, if we can keep it where it is.