In the American colonies, the main problem of liberty has been solved, demonstrated and practiced in such a manner as not to leave much to be said by European institutions.

In my idea General Washington is the greatest man; for I look upon him as the most virtuous.

If the liberties of the American people are ever destroyed, they will fall by the hands of the clergy.

If you were lost for America, there is nobody who could keep the army and the revolution [going] for six months.

Humanity has won its battle. Liberty now has a country.

I read, I study, I examine, I listen, I reflect, and out of all of this I try to form an idea into which I put as much common sense as I can. I shall not speak much for fear of saying foolish things; I will risk still less for fear of doing them, for I am not disposed to abuse the confidence which they have deigned to show me. Such is the conduct which until now I have followed and will follow.

When the government violates the people's rights, insurrection is, for the people and for each portion of the people, the most sacred of the rights and the most indispensible of duties.