We must take care always to keep ourselves, by suitable establishments, in a respectable defensive posture.

Observe good faith and justice toward all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all.

You will permit me to say, that a greater drama is now acting on this theatre than has heretofore been brought on the American tage, or any other in the world. We exhibit at present the novel and astonishing spectacle of a whole people deliberating calmly on what form of government will be most conducive to their happiness; and deciding with an unexpected degree of unanimity in favour of a system which they conceive calculated to answer the purpose.

Serious misfortunes, originating in misrepresentation, frequently flow and spread before they can be dissipated by truth.

I beg you be persuaded that no one would be more zealous than myself to establish effectual barriers against the horrors of spiritual tyranny, and every species of religious persecution.

The U.S. is a Government which to bigotry gives no sanction, to persecution no assistance.

Every action in company ought to be with some sign of respect to those present.