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.

A bad war is fought with a good mind.

No compact among men... can be pronounced everlasting and inviolable, and if I may so express myself, that no Wall of words, that no mound of parchment can be so formed as to stand against the sweeping torrent of boundless ambition on the one side, aided by the sapping current of corrupted morals on the other.

Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence.

The power under the Constitution will always be in the people.

Be not forward, but friendly and courteous; the first to salute, hear and answer; and be not pensive when it is time to converse.

Character enough of an opposite description ... My opinion is ... that you could as soon scrub the blackamore white, as to change the principles of a profest Democrat; and that he will leave nothing unattempted to overturn the Government of this Country.