The constitution vests the power of declaring war in Congress; therefore no offensive expedition of importance can be undertaken until after they shall have deliberated upon the subject and authorized such a measure.

I have always considered marriage as the most interesting event of one's life, the foundation of happiness or misery.

There is but one straight course, and that is to seek truth and pursue it steadily

Like as a wise man in time of peace prepares for war.

I hope ever to see America among the foremost nations, in examples of justice and liberality.

Freemasonry is an institution founded on eternal reason and truth; whose deep basis is the civilization of mankind, and whose everlasting glory it is to have the immovable support of those two mighty pillars, science and morality.

We are not to expect perfection in this world; but mankind, in modern times, have apparently made some progress in the science of government.