I go to the chair of government with feelings not unlike those of a culprit who is going to the place of his execution.
George WashingtonArbitrary power is most easily established on the ruins of liberty abused to licentiousness.
George WashingtonThe bosom of America is open to receive not only the Opulent and respectable Stranger, but the oppressed and persecuted of all Nations And Religions; whom we shall wellcome to a participation of all our rights and previleges...
George WashingtonIt is now no more that toleration is spoken of, as if it was by the indulgence of one class of people, that another enjoyed the exercise of their inherent natural rights. For happily the government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction - to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens.
George Washington