I never engaged in public affairs for my own interest, pleasure, envy, jealousy, avarice or ambition, or even the desire of fame

Resistance to sudden violence, for the preservation not only of my person, my limbs, and life, but of my property, is an indisputable right of nature which I have never surrendered to the public by the compact of society, and which perhaps, I could not surrender if I would.

The fundamental law of the militia is, that it be created, directed and commanded by the laws, and ever for the support of the laws.

Vanity, I am sensible, is my cardinal vice and cardinal folly; and I am in continual danger, when in company, of being led an ignis fatuus chase by it.

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.

Old minds are like old horses; you must exercise them if you wish to keep them in working order.