The less government interferes with private pursuits, the better for general prosperity.

On receiving from the people the sacred trust twice confided on my illustrious predecessor, and which he has discharged so faithfully and so well, I know that I can not expect to perform the arduous task with equal ability and success.

The government should not be guided by Temporary Excitement, but by Sober Second Thought.

It is easier to do a job right than to explain why you didn't.

With respect to the northeastern boundary of the United States, no official correspondence between this Government and that of Great Britain has passed since that communicated to Congress toward the close of their last session.

In receiving from the people the sacred trust twice confided to my illustrious predecessor, and which he has discharged so faithfully and so well, I know that I can not expect to perform the arduous task with equal ability and success.

As to the presidency, the two happiest days of my life were those of my entrance upon the office and my surrender of it.