I must study war and politics so that my children shall be free to study commerce, agriculture and other practicalities, so that their children can study painting, poetry and other fine things.

I must not write a word to you about politics, because you are a woman.

Your Letters concerning Miss N. have given me as much Concern as they ought-not knowing the Character nor what to advise, but feeling all a Fathers Tenderness, longing to be at home that I might enquire and consider and take the Care I ought.

The happiness of man, as well as his dignity, consists in virtue.

No good government but what is republican... the very definition of a republic is 'an empire of laws, and not of men.'

If worthless men are sometimes at the head of affairs, it is, I believe, because worthless men are at the tail and the middle

In general, our generals were outgeneralled.