The signal instances of Providential goodness which we have experienced and which have now almost crowned our labors with complete success demand from us in a peculiar manner the warmest returns of gratitude and piety to the Supreme Author of all good.

Interwoven as is the love of liberty with every ligament of your hearts, no recommendation of mine is necessary to fortify or confirm the attachment.

The time is near at hand which must determine whether Americans are to be free men or slaves.

Mankind, when left to themselves, are unfit for their own government.

My ardent desire is... to keep the United States free from political connexions with every other Country. To see that they may be independent of all, and under the influence of none.

While just government protects all in their religious rites, true religion affords government its surest support.

I am for free commerce with all nations; political connection with none; and little or no diplomatic establishment