Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire, called conscience.

I have no other view than to promote the public good, and am unambitious of honors not founded in the approbation of my Country.

It is the child of avarice, the brother of iniquity, and the father of mischief.

It is in vain, I perceive, to look for ease and happiness in a world of troubles.

I wish the constitution, which is offered, had been made more perfect; but I sincerely believe it is the best that could be obtained at this time. And, as a constitutional door is opened for amendment hereafter, the adoption of it, under the present circumstances of the Union, is in my opinion desirable.

One of his officers, Henry Lee, summed up contemporary public opinion of Washington: First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.

My death has not yet quite arrived, but it is near and inevitable as night follows day.