Submit your sentiments with diffidence. A dictatorial style, though it may carry conviction, is always accompanied with disgust.

We ought not to look back, unless it is to derive useful lessons from past errors, and for the purpose of profiting by dear bought experience. To enveigh against things that are past and irremediable, is unpleasing; but to steer clear of the shelves and rocks we have struck upon, is the part of wisdom, equally as incumbent on political as other men, who have their own little bark, or that of others, to navigate through the intricate paths of life, or the trackless ocean, to the haven of security and rest.

It gives me real concern to observe ... that you should think it necessary to distinguish between my personal and public character, and confine your esteem to the former.

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

Precedents are dangerous things; let the rein of government then be braced and held with a steady hand.

To constitute a dispute there must be two parties. To understand it well, both parties and all the circumstances must be fully heard; and to accommodate the differences, temper and mutual forbearance are requisite.

We should not look back unless it is to derive useful lessons from past errors, and for the purpose of profiting by dearly bought experience.