No taxes can be devised which are not more or less inconvenient and unpleasant.

A people... who are possessed of the spirit of commerce, who see and who will pursue their advantages may achieve almost anything.

To anticipate and prevent disasterous contingencies would be the part of wisdom and patriotism.

I can never think of promoting my convenience at the expense of a friend's interest and inclination.

Always speak the truth.

It is infinitely better to have a few good men than many indifferent ones.

Having now finished the work assigned me, I retire from the great theatre of Action; and bidding an Affectionate farewell to this August body under whose orders I have so long acted, I here offer my commission, and take my leave of all the employments of public life.