My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother.

For myself the delay [in assuming the office of the President] may be compared with a reprieve; for in confidence I assure you, with the world it would obtain little credit that my movements to the chair of Government will be accompanied by feelings not unlike those of a culprit who is going to the place of his execution: so unwilling am I, in the evening of a life nearly consumed in public cares, to quit a peaceful abode for an Ocean of difficulties, without that competency of political skill, abilities and inclination which is necessary to manage the helm.

Let me ... warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party.

Good moral character is the first essential in a man.

Our country's honor calls upon us for a vigorous and manly exertion; and if we now shamefully fail, we shall become infamous to the whole world.

Arbitrary power is most easily established on the ruins of liberty abused to licentiousness.

It is our boast, that a man's religious tenets will not forfeit the protection of the Laws.