My opinion with respect to immigration is, that except of useful mechanics and some particular description of men and professions, there is no use of encouragement.

Purity of morals [is] the only sure foundation of public happiness in any country.

If we cannot learn wisdom from experience, it is hard to say where it is to be found.

There is but one straight course, and that is to seek truth and pursue it steadily

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

A lottery is the perfect tax...laid only upon the willing.

[T]here is no truth more thoroughly established, than that there exists . . . an indissoluble union between virtue and happiness.