When Men are irritated, and the Passions inflamed, they fly hastily and cheerfully to Arms; but after the first emotions are over, to expect, among such People, as compose the bulk of an Army, that they are influenced by any other principles than those of Interest, is to look for what never did, and I fear never will happen
George WashingtonArbitrary power is most easily established on the ruins of liberty abused to licentiousness.
George WashingtonTo the efficacy and permanency of your union a government for the whole is indispensable.
George WashingtonWe should not look back unless it is to derive useful lessons from past errors, and for the purpose of profiting by dearly bought experience.
George WashingtonLet your heart feel for the afflictions and distresses of every one, and let your hand give in proportion to your purse; remembering always the estimation of the widow's mite, but, that it is not every one who asketh that deserveth charity; all, however, are worthy of the inquiry, or the deserving may suffer.
George WashingtonSince the death of my father four years ago, our lives have become difficult, and I must help my family.
George WashingtonYour late purchase of an estate in the colony of Cayenne, with a view to emancipating the slaves on it, is a generous and noble proof of your humanity. Would to God a like spirit would diffuse itself generally into the minds of the people of this country; but I despair of seeing it.
George Washington