Let your conversation be without malice or envy, for it is a sign of a tractable and commendable nature; and in all cases of passion admit reason to govern.

Peace with all the world is my sincere wish. I am sure it is our true policy, and am persuaded it is the ardent desire of the 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.

It is absolutely necessary... for me to have persons that can think for me, as well as execute orders.

Remember, officers and soldiers, that you are fighting for the blessings of liberty.

It is among the evils, and perhaps not the smallest, of democratical governments, that the people must feel before they will see. When this happens they are roused to action. Hence it is that those kinds of government are so slow.

It is an old adage that honesty is the best policy-this applies to public as well as private life-to States as well as individuals.