To encourage literature and the arts is a duty which every good citizen owes to his country.

May Heaven to this Union continue its beneficence

The fundamental principle of our constitution ... enjoins the sense of command, duty that the will of the majority shall prevail.

In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars.

It is on great occasions only, and after time has been given for cool and deliberate reflection, that the real voice of the people can be known.

Associate yourself with men of good quality, if you esteem your reputation. Be not apt to relate news, if you know not the truth thereof. Speak no evil of the absent, for it is unjust. Undertake not what you cannot perform, but be careful to keep your promise. There is but one straight course, and that is to seek truth, and pursue it steadily. Nothing but harmony, honesty, industry and frugality are necessary to make us a great and happy nation.

I never mean, unless some particular circumstances should compel it, to possess another slave by purchase, it being among my first wishes to see some plan adopted, by which slavery in this country may be abolished by law.