In politics as in religion, my tenets are few and simple. The leading one of which, and indeed that which embraces most others, is to be honest and just ourselves and to exact it from others, meddling as little as possible in their affairs where our own are not involved. If this maxim was generally adopted, wars would cease and our swords would soon be converted into reap hooks and our harvests be more peaceful, abundant, and happy.

Uniformity in the currency, weights, and measures of the United States is an object of great importance, and will, I am persuaded, be duly attended to.

To secure respect to a neutral flag requires a naval force organized and ready to vindicate it from insult or aggression.

99% percent of failures are the ones who make excuses.

I only wish, while I am a servant of the public, to know the will of my masters, that I may govern my self accordingly.

Let me ... warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party.

I go to the chair of government with feelings not unlike those of a culprit who is going to the place of his execution.